Lizzie Cui Named First New Zealand Olympic Diver Since 1992

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BATON ROUGE — LSU sophomore diver Lizzie Cui has been selected to represent New Zealand on the three-meter springboard at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, the country’s Olympic committee and Diving New Zealand announced Tuesday.

Cui’s selection to the team marks the first time since 1992 that a diver will compete for New Zealand in the games. The Auckland native is just the fourth female diver in her country’s history and the sixth overall.

“This is really a dream come true, and it could not have come at a better time,” Cui said. “I can’t believe that I am going to my first Olympics at such a young age, and to be the first diver to represent New Zealand at the Olympics since 1992 is surreal. I cannot wait to compete and my country and make LSU proud.”

Cui, who joined the LSU squad in January, is diving coach Doug Shaffer’s first Olympian. The sophomore is just the second diver in school history and the 14th swimmer or diver to earn a spot on an Olympic team.

“I am so happy and excited for Lizzie’s berth into 2016 Olympics,” Shaffer said. “She has worked tirelessly with this goal in mind and has overcome a number of obstacles to reach this ultimate pinnacle of athletic success. I am proud to have been a part of this journey with her, and I am excited to see her compete on the world’s biggest stage.

In her first semester on campus, Cui made an immediate impact by qualifying for NCAA Championships on one-meter and three-meter. At NCAA’s, Cui finished 14th on three-meter to earn NCAA Honorable Mention All-America honors.

Competition for Cui begins Friday, August 12 in the preliminary round at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre in Rio de Janeiro.

For more information and updates on LSU Swimming and Diving please visit LSUsports.net, ‘like’ us on Facebook at LSU Swimming and Diving or follow us on Twitter @LSUswimdive.

LSU contributed this report.

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