About Yona Knight-Wisdom
Born and raised in Leeds, UK, I began my diving journey at the age of 9 in 2004 through a Talent Identification Programme led by the City of Leeds Diving Club. In 2011, I made the proud decision to represent my father’s homeland, Jamaica, with a clear goal in mind—qualifying for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games...
…Olympic Journey & Competitive Achievements
I made my Olympic debut in Rio 2016, followed by appearances at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024—three Olympic Games in total. I reached the semi-finals at all three events, narrowly missing a place in the final in Paris by just 4 points.
My international diving career highlights include:
- Silver Medal on 3m – 2016 FINA Diving World Cup
- Silver Medal on 1m – 2019 Pan American Games
- Silver Medals on 3m – 2020 Madrid Grand Prix & 2022 Calgary Grand Prix
Education & Career in Sports Development
I hold a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science from Leeds Beckett University (2016), along with a Postgraduate Certificate in International Sports Development from the University of London. Additionally, I’ve earned a Coaching and Mentoring qualification through the Institute of Leadership and Management.
From Athlete to Coach
I began coaching diving in 2013, initially as a complement to my competitive career. Now, following my retirement from professional diving after Paris 2024, I am committed to giving back to the sport. I aim to stay actively involved by:
- Coaching the next generation of divers
- Supporting the development of diving programs in Jamaica
- Advocating for sports education and international athletic development
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