66-year-old Peter Woods is diving into the spotlight at the London Aquatics Centre, challenging societal norms and inspiring a new generation of senior athletes.
Peter, from nearby Wanstead, is a software developer by day and passionate diver by night and has been mastering the art of diving since March 2014.
His journey began when the London Aquatics Centre at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, an iconic venue from the 2012 Olympics, opened its doors to the public.
“As soon as it opened and I saw that they were going to do adult diving lessons, I signed up straight away,” Peter recalls. Now, he trains three times a week – twice in the pool and once on dry land – showcasing an unwavering commitment that rivals athletes half his age.
A key part of Peter’s training takes place in the dry diving facility, where participants practise diving skills on dry boards and build strength, similar to elite athletes like Noah Williams and Tom Daley. The London Aquatics Centre is the only facility in the UK offering this dry diving programme for adults.
Despite embarking on his diving journey in his mid-50s, Peter’s enthusiasm for the sport is infectious. “I treat it like a grown-up’s playground,” he says with a grin.
His aquatic passion, rooted in a childhood spent near the sea, was ignited by a memorable moment at a school swimming gala. “One of my friends went off the 5-metre platform in front of the entire school, and the girls were all over him,” Peter laughed. “I thought, that’s what I want to do!”
Peter also drew inspiration from his own family, particularly his mother. “My mum learned to drive when she was 60 and learned to swim when she was about 65,” he says. “So I suppose I took inspiration from my family. I looked at my mum and thought, okay, if my mum can start doing things when she’s that age, why should age be a barrier?”
For Peter, diving is more than just physical exercise. “It helps me physically and mentally,” he explains. “To be in this place, which is one of, if not the best aquatics centres in the world – it’s a blessing.”
At the London Aquatics Centre, Peter dives alongside people of various ages, embracing the diversity. “It’s quite clear that I’m older than most of the people I dive with, but it’s not relevant.”
Peter’s parting advice to anyone considering taking up a new activity later in life? “Go for it. Age shouldn’t be a barrier. It keeps you mentally and physically young, and the focus required, particularly in diving, gives you a space within your head that transcends age completely.”
“When I tell people how old I am, they’re usually quite surprised,” Peter shares. “I would say it keeps me mentally young, physically relatively young, or at least fit, which is no bad thing. Keeping fit at any age is important.”
Everyone Active, which manages the London Aquatics Centre in partnership with London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), is challenging age stereotypes and encouraging seniors to stay active through its ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign, running now until November. Peter’s story perfectly reflects the campaign’s mission, showing that it’s never too late to explore new passions and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Chris Wells, Everyone Active Contract Manager, said: “Peter’s story is truly inspirational and embodies the spirit of our ‘Age is Just a Number’ campaign. His commitment highlights the world-class facilities at the London Aquatics Centre and the inclusive nature of our programmes. Peter proves that with the right mindset, age is no barrier to achieving your fitness goals. We hope his journey inspires more seniors to take on new challenges and stay active.”
The London Aquatics Centre has a dedicated diving pool with a choice of diving platforms from 1m to 10m, as well as a dry diving facility to work on techniques away from the water.
To find out more, visit: www.londonaquaticscentre.org/activities/diving/
