Houlden and Owens recognised at ASA Aquatics Awards 2015

Jordan Houlden and his City of Sheffield coach Tom Owens were among the winners at the ASA Aquatics Awards 2015 on 14 November 2015 in Leamington Spa.

Houlden was named ASA England Programmes diver of the year for his performances in 2015.

The 17-year old kicked off his year with Group A 1m Springboard gold at the British Elite Junior Championships in April then landed a pair of individual silver medals in the 1m and 3m, and a gold with Jack Haslam in the 3m Synchro at the Youth International Meet in Dresden.

In June, Houlden travelled to Baku for the inaugural European Games and caught the eye again with his performances, finishing ninth in the 1m and an impressive fourth in the 3m.

He rounded off his season with double gold in the 1m and 3m at July’s Youth International Meet in Graz.

Houlden’s coach Tom Owens was also recognised at the awards, winning the England Programmes Coach of the Year.

Owens has overseen an impressive domestic haul at national junior level in 2015 with 15 medals ASA National Age Group Championship medals and another 15 medals at British Elite Junior Championship level.

“In life as a coach, you’re not always at the forefront – it’s always about the athletes,” said Owens.

“My fulfilment comes from standing back and watching the athletes succeeds.

“But the thanks and the acknowledgement does mean a great deal. It refreshes you and makes you feel like it is worth the effort.”

Tom Daley also honoured at Awards

The other diving award of the night was the English Performance Diver of the Year which went to Tom Daley.

The 21-year old again underlined his international class by winning two medals at the FINA World Championships in Kazan.

Daley combined with Rebecca Gallantree for gold in the Team Event, then returned to the World podium for the first time since 2009 with bronze in the individual 10m Platform.