Home LifeStyle Inside Jason Statham’s unexpected bid to compete in the Olympics, which took place long before he rose to prominence as one of the biggest action actors in Hollywood

Inside Jason Statham’s unexpected bid to compete in the Olympics, which took place long before he rose to prominence as one of the biggest action actors in Hollywood

LifeStyle — 04/02/2024

Jason Statham, known for his roles in films like “Snаtch” and “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” had a surprising start to his career before becoming an action movie star. Prior to his acting debut, Statham was an accomplished diver and even competed at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand.

Jason Statham was inducted into the British National Diving School in 1985

At the age of 23, Statham represented England in diving, participating in three different events. He achieved a top-10 finish in the one-meter springboard and secured 11th place in both the three-meter and ten-meter platforms. Although his diving career didn’t lead him to the Olympics, Statham’s experience in sports played a significant role in shaping his success in the film industry.

Despite the diving career not working out, Statham has enjoyed great success throughout his acting careerHe has credited a high diver he saw during a family holiday as the reason he got into diving

Statham has attributed his athletic background to his focus and dedication in his acting career. He stated in an interview with the BBC in 2008 that not achieving his goals in sports motivated him to take his acting more seriously.

Jason Statham initially competed in diving at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand

While Statham’s past as a diver may come as a surprise to many, his affinity for sports is evident throughout his films. He has showcased his skills in martial arts, including kickboxing and karate.

Statham developed a love for diving as a young teenager after witnessing a high dive in Miami during a family holiday. Inspired by what he saw, he joined a diving club at the age of 11 or 12. Within a year, he became part of the British team and spent the next decade competing and representing Great Britain and England at international competitions.

Despite his efforts, Statham fell short of qualifying for the Olympics. He participated in the trials for the 1988 and 1992 Summer Games but was unable to secure a spot on the British Olympic diving team. Statham has admitted that not making it to the Olympics remаins a sоre point for him, but he acknowledges the talent and achievements of today’s divers.

Although his diving career didn’t reach the pinnacle of the Olympics, Jason Statham’s dedication and perseverance in sports undoubtedly contributed to his success as a prominent action star in Hollywood.