(ATR) London 2012 hails its diving test event as "world class" despite spectators dwindling throughout Tuesday's competition.
The FINA VISA Diving World Cup is being hosted this week at the Aquatics Center in the Olympic Park, where LOCOG officials told Around the Ringsthey expect to have around 50,000 spectators attending.
"It’s great to see spectators cheering on world class competition in the London 2012 Aquatics Center for the first time," LOCOG chair Sebastian Coe said after watching Monday night's action.
"This is a major event for the athletes in its own right as it is a qualification event for London 2012. And as one of the largest diving events ever held in the UK it is a perfect opportunity for us to fine-tune our preparations for the Games."
However, during the three hour-long sessions on Tuesday, significant numbers of spectators either left the venue or left the Park altogether – perhaps finding the competition harder-going than originally anticipated.
LOCOG refused to comment on the issue, but the support was still strong for Team GB athlete Chris Mears.
"It's absolutely brilliant," he said after competing in the men's springboard.
"When you’re standing on the board there and you’ve got thousands of people screaming your name, it feels incredible.
"It’s so loud – and I’m sure the Olympics are going to be even louder so I can’t wait," he added.
During the Olympics, the capacity of the venue will be 17,500. After the Games, though, when the venue will be transformed into a facility for the local community, the two temporary wings will be removed – although it will still be possible to increase the capacity for major competitions.
Reigning double Olympic champion Chen Roulin of Chinadid praise the crowd, who stayed during her entire session.
"The crowd here are all very excited. They will give you good support if you dive good or bad," she said.
"There will be a bigger crowd there [at the Olympic Games] so I will feel more tense."
The venue will once again be in use when the British Swimming Championships are leveraged as another test event for the venue, as well as selection trials for Team GB, from March 3 to 10.
The Aquatics Center opened during year-to-go celebrations last July when Team GB diver Tom Daley performed the very first plunge into the pool.
Reported by Christian Radnedge
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