ASU junior dives into academic, athletic honors


Elina Eggers

Standing on the diving board preparing for her jump, Elina Eggers closes her eyes and let’s the rest of the world fall into silence.

She doesn’t think about competing in the Olympics, her numerous Arizona State University records or the 13 gold medals she has won at the Swedish Nationals.

In that moment it is all about what she calls, “finding the right feeling” and remembering Coach Mark Bradshaw’s words of advice.

She opens her eyes, takes a deep breath, runs, jumps and lands a perfect forward 2 1/2 somersault 1 twist.

Growing up in Stockholm, Sweden, Eggers fell in love with diving after watching the sport on television.

When it came time to attend college, she chose ASU because of the ability to combine her studies with athletics, which Eggers says is not widely available in her home country.

It was also the recruiting of Bradshaw and the people she would soon call friends on the diving team that drew her to become a Sun Devil.

“I love my team. We have so much fun together and are very supportive of each other. Everyone works very hard,” said Eggers.

Among her list of athletic awards, Eggers has earned 2011 First-Team Capital One Academic All-American and became a two-time first-team Pac-10 All-Academic honoree with a 3.96 GPA in economics.

“To balance school and athletics you have to be organized and plan ahead. I try to do as much as I can ahead of time so I’m not rushing to complete my class work,” said Eggers.

In 2008 Eggers made a lifelong dream come true when she competed and placed 12 on the 10-meter platform at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

“I’ve been diving my whole life and my goal has always been to compete in the Olympics,” explains Eggers. “I was so happy when I made the Olympic team. I had a really good meet.”

Over the course of her athletic career Eggers has placed fourth on the 10-meter platform at the NCAA Championship to earn All-America honors, earned a Bronze Medal on the 1-Meter at the Pac-10 Championships, and became the only Pac-10 female to Medal in each event – to name just a few accolades.

“I feel honored by the recognition. It has taken a lot of work to get here,” said Eggers.

Up next, Eggers will train for 2012 Olympic qualifications in February for the London games. But the ASU senior says if she has learned anything over the years, it is not over think things. She says that no matter the competition she sticks to her rigorous practice schedule and focuses on any improvements that need to be made.