Abby Biddulph’s diving coach describes her as “fearless.” It is one of the many reasons why the Absegami High School junior is a success. Using courage, dedication and 12 years of gymnastics experience, it took just three years of diving to be among the best in the state.
Abby Biddulph, a junior, won the South Jersey Swimming Association title on Jan. 14, then set a school record on Jan. 17 at Atlantic City High. Biddulph is Glory Days Magazine’s Athlete of the Week for winning the South Jersey Swimming Association large division title on Jan. 14 and by setting a personal best and school record on Jan. 17. “I was happy and excited to place at the top of my division,” she said. “I was pleased the competition pushed me to compete the way I did.” “She is very graceful,” Absegami diving coach Erin Westcoat said. “She does a lot of hard dives well, which are worth more points. She is not afraid to do anything. She just goes up there and tries it and she might belly-flop the first time or land wrong, but she keeps working. She strives to do better.” Biddulph, who was sixth in the state a year ago, won the six-dive SJSA meet with a score of 216.70 at Gloucester County Institute of Technology. On Saturday, the Braves standout scored a school record 267.75 at Atlantic City High School to also take first place. She uses her gymnastics background to excel during her dives, often successfully executing double flip dives, which add to the degree of difficulty. “I think (gymnastics) does help a lot,” she explained. “I enjoy flipping before I execute the landing. Coach also helps me a lot.”
— Giuseppe Ungaro
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