Australia win women’s springboard gold

Australia’s Maddison Keeney and Annabelle Smith produced a flawless performance to win women’s 3m synchronized springboard gold.

The pair finished 16.68 points ahead of Malaysian pair NG Yan Yee and Nur Dhabitah Sabri at Sandwell Aquatics Centre.

Mia Vallee, 21, delivered an incredible display to win the individual 1m springboard final on Friday and added a bronze to her Games haul alongside Margo Erlam.

Smith was delighted to successfully defend the Commonwealth title for Australia and bounce back from a tough showing at Gold Coast 2018.

She said: “Back-to-back Australia. Keeping it in the family.

“Maddi and I had an upsetting Gold Coast campaign in synchro, so it felt good to get that one back today.”

On winning their first Commonwealth title, Smith added: “I feel really proud.

“Maddi and I have been together for a really long time but never won a Commonwealth gold medal.

“We knew that we had put in the hard work to get it and we knew that we were good enough to stand at the top of the podium – but to actually be there today was really special.

“We got here pretty early, so it was nice when the diving finally started and now I’m glad it’s over.”

Keeney was pleased that their hard work and perseverance finally paid off.

She said: “It’s every day. We’ve been together for eight years. It’s so much hard work and all of the athletes understand that.

“There have been so many tough teams over the years, and even now, all the divers are amazing.

“It’s both of our first gold medals and I never thought I would be able to get it.”