Edwin Jongejans, born on December 18, 1966, is a retired diver from the Netherlands who has made significant contributions to the world of diving, both as an athlete and a coach. Jongejans’ journey in diving began on the global stage with his participation in the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games. Competing in the springboard event, he finished eighth in 1988 and seventh in 1992. His sister, Daphne Jongejans, also competed in the same event across three Olympics (1984, 1988, and 1992), marking a remarkable family presence in the sport.
Between 1989 and 1995, Jongejans secured his place among diving’s elite by winning one world and two European titles in the 1-meter springboard event. His exceptional performance in 1991 earned him the title of Dutch Sportsman of the Year, further solidifying his status as a top athlete.
Jongejans transitioned from competing to coaching, bringing his expertise to the international arena. He coached Team GB’s Hannah Starling in the 3-meter springboard event, guiding her to the semi-finals at the London 2012 Olympics. His coaching prowess shone brightly at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympics, where his pupils, Jack Laugher and Chris Mears, won gold medals.
In 2018, Jongejans returned to the Netherlands to coach the Dutch diving team, continuing to shape the future of the sport in his home country. His influence and success as a coach did not go unnoticed, and in December 2021, Diving Australia and the Queensland Academy of Sport announced his appointment to their coaching team in Brisbane. Joining forces with National Coach Adrian Hinchliffe, Jongejans is bringing his wealth of experience and expertise to Australian diving.
Edwin Jongejans commenced his role in Brisbane in the first quarter of 2022. His journey from Olympic diver to world-class coach underscores his dedication to the sport and his impact on divers worldwide.
See also: Wikipedia
