SOUTHAMPTON-based Olympic and Commonwealth diver Peter Waterfield became a father for the second time last weekend (July 26) just hours before he was due to fly out to Beijing in China to compete in the 2008 Olympic Games – delaying his departure until Wednesday (July 30).

Marshall Waterfield was born 10 days early on Saturday, July 26 at 8.55pm weighing six pounds and 15 ounces much to Peter’s relief.

Peter, who has one other son, seven-year-old Lewis, with wife Tanya, said: “I am so relieved that Marshall decided to make his entry into the world early, as I really wanted to be around for the birth. The birth went really well and both mother and baby are doing fine.

“I am now looking forward to going out to the Games and bringing home a medal for my new baby boy.”

The 27-year-old was originally due to be flying out to compete in the men’s Individual 10 metre event at the Olympic Games on Sunday, July 27 but has now postponed his flight until Wednesday, July 30.

Peter, who has recently been working on his dives in America, Germany and in this country, added: “My training has been going really well and I am looking forward to going to Beijing.

“I qualified for the Olympics back in February at the World Cup, which was also held in Beijing. I dived in the Olympic pool and it is probably the most spectacular pool I’ve ever seen and very nice to dive in.”

Peter has recently competed in the World Series in Sheffield where he finished third within a group of the top eight divers in the world.

Peter, who flies out to the Beijing Olympic Games on Wednesday, July 30, will be competing on Friday, August 22 where he hopes to make the semi-finals on Saturday, August 23 and then the finals on Sunday, August 24.

ENDS

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Photograph caption: Peter Waterfield at home with wife Tanya, seven-year-old, Lewis and new born Marshall. (Used with kind permission of the Southampton Echo)