With the Olympics in full swing in Paris, now is the perfect time to spotlight emerging talent in the diving world. Enter 15-year-old Sanaa Chege, a prodigious diver whose recent book, A Diver Like Me, is making waves both in and out of the pool. Mentored by diving superstar Kristen Hayden, Chege is not just a rising star in her sport but also a dedicated community role model and advocate for diversity in diving.
Chege’s journey into diving has been nothing short of remarkable. In her new children’s book, A Diver Like Me, she recounts her personal story of discovering and falling in love with the sport. Through her narrative, Chege candidly addresses the challenges she faced, often feeling like an outsider among divers who did not share her background. Her hope is that by sharing her experiences, she will inspire other young Black girls to embrace diving and find the same joy she has.
Beyond her diving achievements, Chege has a slew of impressive accomplishments. She is an active member of the Montgomery Dive Club and USA Diving, as well as a participant in the Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendents Leadership Academy. As the Montgomery County Public School Student-Athlete Delegate for the 2024 NFHS National Student Leadership Summit in Indianapolis, IN, she continues to excel both academically and athletically. Additionally, Chege has earned her Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Awards and is working towards her Gold, all while being a dedicated member of the Boys & Girls Club Keystone Club.
In a sport that has traditionally been dominated by a narrow demographic, Chege’s efforts to bring diversity to the forefront are both timely and crucial. The Paris 2024 Olympics have highlighted this need, as noted in a recent TeamUSA.com article featuring Kristen Hayden. Hayden, a prominent diver herself, emphasized the importance of representation in diving, stating:
“As a young child, you always are looking up to wanting to be someone, and that’s what’s really pushed me to just want to be the model and be someone that a young Black male or female diver can look up to so that they do feel included, that they realize that this is a sport that they can do.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with Chege, who recently had the chance to connect with Hayden at the Olympic trials. Their meeting was a celebration of Black Girl Magic, complete with photos and Hayden’s thoughtful gift of her swim cap and shammy. Chege also connected with Nike Agunbiade, another Black diver who competed in the trials, further strengthening her network and support system within the diving community.
Chege’s enthusiasm for diving is palpable. “Diving is so much fun and I hope one day I can inspire more Black girls to try it. I’m sure they would love it just like I do!” she says.
For those interested in exploring Chege’s inspiring story, A Diver Like Me is available for purchase online through Barnes & Noble, Target, Amazon, and on her website, chegecorner.com. As the diving world continues to evolve, Chege’s efforts to foster inclusivity and represent a new generation of divers are setting the stage for a more diverse and dynamic future in the sport.
