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 The British-born university undergraduate stands 190 cm tall and
weighs 90 kg, an uncharacteristically large frame for a sport
dominated by diminutive Chinese athletes at the 2012 London Games.
The 20-year-old, whose father is Jamaican and mother from Barbados,
hoped his personal best efforts in the individual three-meter
springboard at a World Cup test event in Rio de Janeiro over the
weekend would open the sport up to all.
"I think that it should inspire people to try new things. Don't be
limited to what is normal and what is safe. Don't be afraid to go
against the odds," he told Jamaica's The Gleaner newspaper.
"I am a 190 cm tall, 90 kg heavy, black diver. Watch a diving event
and that is not something you will see very often.
"I've gone against the odds, with the faith and support of my
family, coaches and team mates, and I've succeeded.
"I think the history of it will really sink in during the Games.
Right now I'm... still worrying about the dissertation I have to
write and hand in on the 27th of April. All the messages of
congratulations and support have made it feel incredible."
Knight-Wisdom said Jamaica had only once previously had a diver
compete at the Olympics, Betsy Sullivan, who took part at the 1972
Games in Munich.
The Leeds Beckett University student said he took up the sport after
watching the diving competition at the 2004 Athens Games.
Attempts to make the British team failed and his coach advised to
look into representing Jamaica or Barbados.
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Perseverance paid off and Knight-Wisdom said he burst into tears
upon securing the semi-final slot in Rio on the weekend that ensured
he would return to the Brazilian city for the Aug. 5-21 Games.
"This process, especially in the last four years, has required much
sacrifice, particularly of my socializing time, lots of commitment
and discipline," he said.
"I aim to enjoy the experience as much as possible because it's not
often you get to go to an Olympic Games. But in the competition,
just giving 100 percent diving and representing Jamaica as well as I
can over my six dives."
(Writing by Patrick Johnston in Singapore; Editing by John O'Brien)
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