Poquoson's Burden 2nd at U.S. Master's Diving

As published in Hampton, Newport News, and York County/Poquoson Daily Press Town Square on Thursday, May 16, 2014

Poquoson’s Jim Burden continued his remarkable comeback to the sport of diving, recently placing second in the 1-meter and 3-meter events at the Masters Spring National Championships, held on May 2-4 in San Antonio, TX.

Burden, who returned to his collegiate sport after a 38-year layoff, qualified for the national event by winning titles at last November’s Mid-Atlantic Masters Invitational in New Jersey. His entrance into that competition was prompted by a self-fulfilled wish which had followed his 60^th birthday in February of 2013. With only seven practices prior to the event, Burden managed to retain enough of his youthful form to gain the regional crowns.

Burden with Danita Fox, his videographer turned coach

This time, the now 61-year old diver had “substantially more time to prepare,” but first needed a month to “heal up” after the regional meet.

“Not that I was necessarily injured, but my neck and shoulders were still pretty stiff and sore,” said Burden, noting the lack of flexibility which comes with advanced age.

He also realized that his skills would need to be sharpened to place at the national level.

“Even though I performed decently enough to win the gold medals in the New Jersey meet, the caliber of athlete at the national finals is stronger. Performing difficult dives requires more precise board work. If you are off balance when you leave the board, bad things happen,” added Burden, emphasizing the shorter B-word. “And bad things hurt.”

However, the diver’s training formula remained the same. He returned to his previous workout center, the Mid-Town Aquatic Center, in Newport News, and reunited with Danita Fox, the center’s Aquatic Director, who helped him in 2013.

“She filmed every dive of every practice from the board work and basic dives to the San Antonio meet.”

Bu Fox’s role evolved from videographer to bonafide trainer.

“She started learning the nuances of springboard diving and rapidly became more of a coach than just filming the practices, “said Burden, who works as a regional contractor by day. “I appreciate what she did to help me, along with the cooperation of the Newport News Parks and Recreation Department. My being able to attend the National Championships was directly related to their help.”

For the national competition, Burden stuck to perfecting the basics.

“It’s important to have your mind clear and focused on execution. If your balance is a little off for say a 1 ½ somersault with two twists, you have a very short period of time to make an in-air adjustment.”

While acknowledging the beauty and grace of diving, Burden did admit to have to take some calculated risks by performing more difficult dives because of the higher level competition. Asked if he had received any advice, he recalled a tidbit from wife Cindy.

“Her only request was for me to try and use a little common sense.” This may have been the best advice received as Burden noted “I had friends from all over the country sending me, what I would consider to be less than complimentary comments about what I was preparing to do.”

Armed with his pair of silver medals, Burden is now qualified for the FINA World Championships, which will be held in Montreal during the first weekend of August. “I have until June 1^st to commit, but I’m leaning that way now.”

In a closing thought, he readily questions how much longer he will be physically able to dive, so his excitement for having a place on the medal stand in Texas is genuine, but he can sum up the experience in one line.

“A lot of work, a lot of fun, and a little bit of pain, but well worth it!”