Who was Noah Williams’ coach Dave Jenkins and how did he die? What we know about the Team GB diver’s mentor
DAVE Jenkins was a top diving coach who passed away after guiding Team GB to two Olympic medals.
When Tom Daley and Noah Williams won their silver medal at Paris 2024, the latter paid an emotional tribute to his former mentor.
Who was Noah Williams’ coach Dave Jenkins?
Dave Jenkins was the Development Lead Coach for Dive London — England’s top diving program based out of the London Aquatics Centre.
He had worked there for eight years and coached divers including Noah Williams and Scarlett Mew-Jensen, who have both represented Team GB at the Olympics.
At Tokyo 2020, Noah finished 27th in the 10m platform event and Scarlett came 22nd in the 3m springboard, with Team GB’s divers securing a joint-record medal haul at the Games.
But shortly after this success, Dave tragically passed away at the age of 31.
British Swimming wrote: “David’s love for coaching and the sport saw him play an instrumental role in the Tom Daley Diving Academy, delivering Learn To Dive lessons to thousands of children across the country.
“He was extremely popular with all in the diving community due to his wonderful, friendly personality.
“A former gymnast and diver himself, David had a bright future ahead of him and will be greatly missed by everyone he worked with across British Diving and GLL.”
Jane Nickerson, Swim England chief executive, said: “Everyone at Swim England is deeply saddened to hear of David’s passing.
“He was a highly-respected coach who played a key role in the development of several divers who have competed at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships and the Olympics.
“He will be extremely missed poolside and our thoughts and sincere condolences from everyone at Swim England go out to his family and friends.”
When did Dave Jenkins die?
Dave tragically passed away on October 9, 2021.
He was found dead in a swimming pool in the Turkish resort of Antlaya.
The coach spent the day before he died training the Team GB diving squad.
How did Dave Jenkins die?
An inquest held in December 2022 was told Dave died of sudden adult death syndrome (SADS), which is also known as sudden arrhythmic death syndrome.
When no definite cause of death can be found, even after the heart has been examined by a cardiac expert, it is known as SADS.
The genetic heart condition is often passed down from parent to child, meaning each child of an affected parent has a 50 per cent chance of inheriting it.
What has Noah Williams said about his coach Dave Jenkins?
Tom Daley and Noah Williams produced a superb set of dives to finish second in the men’s synchronised 10m platform final on the morning of Monday July 29, 2024.
Speaking after the event, Noah recalled how he considered quitting the sport after the shock death of his coach.
Appearing on the BBC, 24-year-old Williams said: “It (the medal) means a lot to me. From third last to second, my coach passed away after Tokyo.
“I don’t want to talk too much cause I’ll cry.”
Williams was then overcome with emotion and needed to be consoled by Daley, with the Team GB flagbearer embracing him in a hug.
He added he was “happy” with the achievement.
Williams was then asked about the tattoo on his arm in honour of his late coach and how proud he would be seeing him win an Olympic silver medal.
Barely able to get his words out, he said: “He’d be pretty proud.”
He then looked towards Daley and asked “do you want to talk for me?”
Taking over interviewing duties, Daley said: “I’ve never seen Noah cry in my whole life.
“I know how much this has meant to him and Dave has been such a key part in Noah’s diving success and career and it’s very sad he’s not here to be able to see this.
“But I know both Dave and my dad would be very proud to see us going in and doing a really really solid performance for a silver medal.”