Toulson makes history with platform medal

Lois Toulson secured Team England’s first women’s platform medal at a Commonwealth Games in 44 years.

Toulson, taking part in her first Games, secured a bronze medal in the women’s 10m platform event.

The 18-year-old started strong with a forward three and a half somersault in pike.

Her second dive wasn’t on par but the City of Leeds diver brought it back with the remaining three dives. Toulson finished the competition in bronze position with 344.20 points.

Not expecting medal

Toulson said: “I wasn’t expecting a medal at all. I just really wanted to dive well and I’m really pleased with how I did.

“It’s amazing to do this in the individual. I’ve been focussing on synchro but to be up there in the individual now, it means a lot.

“It’s really exciting, the Olympics is the main aim but I’m taking it one step at a time.

“That was a really tough field out there so I’m really pleased.”

European Championship silver medallist Robyn Birch scored 308.40 points and finished in eighth position in her debut Games.

The title was taken by Australia’s Melissa Wu who scored 360.40. Canada’s Meaghan Benefito got silver with 359.75 points.