Olympic Update:
Blythe finished a hard fought fourth place on springboard, in what was probably her final Olympics. At 26, she could return in 2012, but will probably relinquish her role as Canada's premier springboard diver to 16-year-old Jennifer Abel.World Champion:
It’s too bad that one-meter springboard is not in the Olympics, because Blythe is especially adept at that discipline. She has medaled on one-meter at every world championships since 2001, becoming Canada’s first world champion in diving, winning the event twice (2001, 2005).
U.S Training:
Blythe attended the University of Southern California, diving under renowned coach Hongping Li. While a student-athlete at USC, she was a twelve-time NCAA All American and won five NCAA titles receiving a degree in communication and business.
Tragedy and Motivation:
The death of Blythe’s brother Strachan last summer to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has put a heavy burden on her heart, and she even contemplated retiring from competition. Prior to his death Strachan urged her to continue with her Olympic aspirations, and continue on she has. No doubt, her thoughts will be with him during every dive of the Olympic competition.
Guo Jingjing:
At 5 ft. 5 in. and 123 lbs., Blythe could never be considered overweight, but not according to Guo Jingjing who referred to her as “the fat Canadian” following the 2008 FINA World Cup. She has taken the high road and brushed off the comment as a “non issue,” but if you are looking for bulletin board material, it doesn’t get any better than that.
Blythe's Stats:
- Height: 5 ft. 5 in.
- Age: 26
- Birth Date: May 2 ,1982
- Hometown: Calgary, Canada
- World Championships (4): 2001 One-meter Springboard Gold; 2003 One-meter Springboard Bronze; 2005 One-meter Springboard Gold; 2007 One-meter Springboard Silver
- Olympic Medals (1): 2004 Synchronized Platform Bronze
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