Boys Diving: New Albany’s British-born Patel aiming for new heights
Thursday, February 8, 2024
By Scott Gerfen
sgerfen@cbussports.com
Diver Hamish Patel of New Albany, an Ohio State commit, hopes to shine at the state meet this February. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Hamish Patel is not your average high school diver.
When meeting him for the first time, one of the first noticeable traits is his British accent. But it all makes sense after hearing about the journey from his native England to becoming one of the state’s most accomplished high school divers.
“A lot of people ask me about (my accent),” said Patel, who moved to central Ohio with his family in 2013. “Both of my sisters and my parents have the accent, and I go back to England quite frequently.”
Patel, a New Albany senior and Ohio State commit, finished fifth at state as a freshman, fourth as a sophomore and second last year.
He hopes to continue his upward trajectory as the postseason begins at district Feb. 13 at Ohio State’s McCorkle Pavilion, followed by state competition Feb. 20 at the C.T. Branin Natatorium in Canton.
While Ohio high school divers compete in 1-meter diving, Patel’s training has been more focused on 10-meter platform diving. He returns to England and Scotland as many as three times a year to showcase his skills in platform diving competitions, including Britain’s junior nationals.
New Albany senior Hamish Patel practices at Ohio State earlier this year. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Patel, who cannot compete in U.S. nationals because he’s not an American citizen, is a member of the prestigious Dive London Aquatics Club, which has produced the likes of three-time Olympic medalist Tom Daley.
“I think my eggs are a little more in that basket,” he said, referring to platform training and Britain’s junior nationals, which are held in April. “I’ve been working on the 1-meter two days a week, but I’ll be getting in some good preparation in the week leading up to (the postseason) competition.”
Patel, a two-time defending Central District champion, expects his close friend, Solon’s Dominic Roberto, to be his toughest competition at state.
Roberto, who also has committed to Ohio State, won last year’s state championship, scoring 63.66 points or better on three of his final six dives to earn 600.4 points and his third consecutive state title.
Patel was runner-up (552.45), averaging 50.2 on his 11 dives.
“We’ve known each other since we were about 8 or 9 years old, and we’ve been diving together at club meets,” Patel said. “One of the nice things is that sports are about having fun, so when you surround yourself with people that you enjoy being with, it’s (easier) to compete at your best.”
New Albany senior Hamish Patel practices at Ohio State earlier this year. Photo: John Hulkenberg
Patel’s longtime coach, Mandy Eby, the competitive team director for Aces Diving in Columbus, has watched him progress since she began coaching him in 2015.
“If he wants to win it all, he has to focus on diving his meet,” Eby said. “He can’t control what any other divers are doing. … He has to roll with it like he knows how — you know your routine, and now it comes down to executing it.”
Patel meticulously studies his form, watching videos of himself and other divers. He’s even added a new coach this season, Ben Moldoff, the head national team coach at Aces Diving.
“We’ve been working on my strength, and I have more power off the springboard to propel myself higher into the air and spin faster,” Patel said. “So, from last year to this year, I’m finding that the dives are actually a lot (easier) to do physically. It’s just working on those intricate little details.”
As Patel prepares for the upcoming state tournament, he remains focused on his goals and pushing himself to new heights.
“I’m a strong competitor, so we’ll see how it plays out,” Patel said. “We always shoot for first. Sometimes, it doesn’t work out like that, but it’s always the goal.”
Photo: John Hulkenberg