What does an athlete look like? What does a diver look like? Erase whatever image popped into your head. It’s most likely a misconception. One 14-year-old diver is proving that any body type can be athletic, powerful and competitive in a sport like diving.
Meet Zeke Sanchez. He is 14 years old, and he has been diving since he was 8 when he decided to take his love for doing flips on the trampoline to the next level – doing flips off of a diving board. He’s really good at it too. So good that in 2022 he qualified to compete at nationals and a video of him diving competitively went viral.
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Sanchez and his family believe that one reason the video went viral is because of his size. His father, Freddie Sanchez, explained, “I don’t think they expect to see someone a larger size doing those things.” He added, “The things he does are not easy, it takes a lot of effort.” He also praised his son for being “dedicated” not just to diving but to everything he does.
Sanchez loves seeing the reaction to his videos. He told The Guardian, “It is really phenomenal. Seeing the positive responses makes me really happy because I think anyone can do anything if you put your mind to it.”
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While Sanchez loves the positive feedback, not all of the comments are positive. His mother, Anjanette Sanchez, explained that her son uses the negative comments “as motivation to keep going.” She added that her son is “a strong individual” and praised him for having a positive attitude even when facing negative criticism.
Sanchez trains in Mesa, Arizona, with East Valley Dive Club. Watch the video below to learn more about Sanchez’s story and to hear from his coach, Lauren Thiel.
Does it surprise you that someone with a body type like Sanchez’s is able to dive competitively? Do you find his story inspiring?
