Karina Moore – teenage high diver!
Several times a week, teenager Karina Moore trains at her local pool to jump from the
high-diving board into the water – in an attempt to become a national diving
champion.
Karina first learned about diving during a family break in Spain, where the resort’s
pool had a high-diving board. Young people were diving off it, and it looked fun, but
Karina didn’t join in, even though she was a strong swimmer. Then after returning
home, she discovered a long-distance runner she’d always admired had started diving
for relaxation – so she became more interested.
Karina joined a beginners’ diving class at her local pool. They had several sessions
jumping onto soft materials before trying the high board. ‘The water looked a long
way down,’ says Karina, ‘but after our training, I felt I’d handle it – without injuring
myself? They’d warned me I’d land in the water fast – at around 60 kph – but I was
prepared. I couldn’t wait to get started – although the others weren’t so keen!
Anyway, I wasn’t disappointed by the experience.’
In Karina’s area, there’s now lots of interest in high diving, but it’s sometimes
difficult for swimmers to find suitable practice facilities. Although the pools are deep
enough, they’re in use so often by diving clubs that other people don’t get
opportunities to practise. Fortunately, though, Karina’s coach noticed her talent and
helped her develop her techniques. After also two years, she’s winning competitions
in her area.
But what’s it like to concentrate so much on diving? ‘I train 20 hours a week’ says
Karina, ‘and I won’t pretend it’s easy – you have to enjoy it to spend so much time
doing it! It’s not easy for my parents either, though – they drive me to training
sessions early in the morning, and that costs money. But they’re had financial help
from sports organisations, luckily. And my schoolwork and social life are good. I still
meet my mates – and there’s always the phone! The only thing I hadn’t realised was
that the pool water would damage my hair – I used to love my long hair, but I’ve had
to cut it short because it looked awful! But I’ll definitely keep on diving!’
1 What made Karina keen to take up diving?
A She wanted to repeat her holiday experience.
B She found out her athletics hero had taken it up.
C She’d visited a pool where some teenagers were doing it.
D She wanted a new challenge after her success at swimming.
2 How did Karina feel the first time she used the high board?
A worried about how fat it was above the pool
B pleased to experience it with other beginners
C confident that she wouldn’t get hurt
D shocked to hit the water at such speed
3 What does the writer suggest about diving facilities in Karina’s area?
A They’re not used as much as they could be.
B There aren’t enough coaches teaching people to use them.
C There aren’t as many boards as there used to be.
D They’re not available to the public for long enough each day.
4 How does Karina feel about spending so much time diving?
A surprised by one effect it has had on her
B sorry she no longer sees her friends so much
C anxious about the amount of money it costs
D grateful to be able to focus on something she loves
5 What would the writer say about Karina?
A She’s a young girl who’s achieved a lot by becoming a national diving
champion – and all with very little support.
B She’s made enormous progress in a very short time – after only a couple of
years, she’s already showing great signs of success.
C She has a lot of natural talent, but she’s already thinking of having a break
from the high board for a while.
D She’s sad that she’s given up almost everything for her sport – and her
lifestyle really sounds quite hard.
Robert Taylor talks about his new art show
Like all children, I was always getting myself and the kitchen table in a mess when I
first took an interest in painting. Unlike many kids, who give up activities like art for
other subjects when they go through school, I continued painting throughout my
childhood. Now, after years of enjoyment, I’ve finally taken the scary decision to
show off some of my favourite pieces of work by holding an exhibition at Glebe
Street library. Inviting people to see my work is a new idea and one which I’m
looking forward to.
I’ve never had any formal art training. When I was trying to decide what I should
study at university, art as a subject never entered my head. I always thought my
parents wanted me to follow a subject that would be useful when I was looking for a
job, so I ended up taking a business course. Looking back, my parents would probably
have supported me whatever my decision, but I decided to do what I thought was best
for everyone.
And during my time at university, I rarely did much in the way of painting. It
wouldn’t have been easy to paint anyway as I lived in university accommodation and
had very little space. I kept an interest in art though and visited local exhibitions
whenever I could, but that was about it. It was later in my thirties while I was working
that I discovered my love of the activity again. Since then I’ve made a point of
spending at least one evening a week painting.
However, my works have only ever been seen by trusted friends and relatives.
They’ve always given me plenty of support and encouraged me to continue with my
art. But I’ve always wondered what people who I didn’t know would think, people
who could give me an honest opinion of my ability. The library have been very
helpful and offered me a room for the show. They’ve asked me to supply
questionnaires about the event and I’ve included a section for visitors· comments
about the works. I’m very much looking forward to reading these opinions.
1 What does Robert say about art?
A Children usually continue doing it at school.
B He had to give it up to do other subjects.
C The thought of showing off his work is a little frightening.
D He has often thought about letting people see his work.
2 When deciding what to study at university
A Robert didn’t consider doing art.
B his parents didn’t want him to study art.
C he thought he would need a job while he was studying.
D Robert understood correctly what his parents wanted him to do.
3 What happened while Robert was at university?
A He didn’t do any painting.
B He discovered his love of painting again.
C He was still keen on art.
D He painted at least one evening a week.
4 Robert is holding the exhibition because
A his friends and relatives encouraged him to do this.
B the library asked him to.
C he is interested in getting opinions from friends and relatives.
D he wants to know what strangers think of his work.
5 What would be a good introduction to this article?
A Robert Taylor tells us how a love of art can lead to a change of career.
B If your child shows an interest in art, Robert Taylor will explain how to
support this activity.
C After years in the shadows, Robert Taylor is about to face the public with his
works.
D If you’re keen on developing your artistic skills, Robert Taylor explains how
to get support from friends and relatives.