Noah Williams Dedicates Silver Medal to Late Mentor Dave Jenkins in Paris

Noah Williams paid an emotional tribute to his late mentor, Dave Jenkins, after winning a silver medal in diving alongside Tom Daley at the Paris Olympics. Williams, who had previously struggled in the sport, finishing 27th and missing the Tokyo final, expressed how Jenkins was a pivotal figure in his career. “It means a lot to me – from third-last to second,” said the 24-year-old, who has the Olympic rings tattooed on his forearm in Jenkins's memory. He emphasized that much of his journey in this Olympic cycle was dedicated to honoring Jenkins. Daley, who also felt the weight of loss, reflected on the significance of the moment, stating, “I’ve never seen Noah cry in my whole life, I know how much today means to him.” Both athletes shared a bond over their mentors, with Daley recalling the impact of his late father, Rob, who passed away in 2011. He noted that Jenkins had a profound influence on his diving career, helping him manage the pressures of the sport during his teenage years. Williams's achievement marks a significant milestone, as he becomes Jenkins's second British diving protégé to secure a medal this summer, following Scarlett Mew Jensen's bronze in the women’s synchronised 3m springboard. Williams acknowledged that the high standards set by his peers and his determination to honor Jenkins fueled his performance, especially after overcoming a shoulder injury prior to the competition.