ENGLAND – Manchester United winger Ashley Young has received a surprise call up to join Team GB after a number of impressive dives in recent weeks.
Professional diving coaches have heaped plaudits on Young for his ability to execute flawless dives “at the drop of a hat”, and demanded that he be added to the Olympic line up immediately.
Many believed that with the inclusion of the 26-year-old, Britain have a genuine chance of bringing home gold in the three metre springboard and ten metre platform events.
‘He’s a natural’
The Manchester United regular has already proved he is capable of various styles of diving including front, back, reverse, inward and aerial twist moves, with professionals claimed he was already the finished product.
Team GB diving coach Alexei Evangulov said after elaborate dives against Queen’s Park Rangers and Aston Villa, Young could forego qualifying rounds and be placed straight into the final team for London.
“I’d never heard of Ashley Young before today, “ admitted Evangulov. “But I now see some tapes and he is good…maybe the best I’ve ever seen.”
Evangulov revealed the England International could even partner diving prodigy Tom Daley in the synchronised diving events.
Daley welcomed Young to the team saying that the addition of such a consistent diver would enable him to “learn a few things” in practise sessions.
Though coaches did question whether Young would be able to perform at the same level in the summer where there wouldn’t be the faintest touch of an opposing defender to set him off.
Going for gold
Manchester United Manager Alex Ferguson was initially wary about letting his star participate in the Olympics on the back of a long season, “but when you have a talent like Ashley does I can understand why they would want him in.”
Ferguson indicated the only thing necessary for Young to perform at his best is to keep a man dressed in black shorts wearing a whistle in the vicinity of the pool area.
After a row over team member nationality, Lord Sebastian Coe said is was just nice to see home grown talent make it through to the final group of players.
“His technique is fabulous,” remarked Lord Coe. “I’m very glad to have Ashley on board he’s demonstrated that he’s the best diver the country has at the moment.”
“This just shows that British talent is alive and well.”
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