Olympics: Refund offer over obscured view of 10m diving board

Olympic organisers have offered refunds to up to 4,800 people after admitting some spectators’ view of the ten-
metre diving platform event at the Aquatics Centre is partially obscured.

Concerns were raised earlier yesterday at a LOCOG briefing that some may have their view of the diving platform affected as a result of the curve of the roof. Organisers later confirmed that 600 spectators high up in the stands at the 17,500-seater venue would have their view partially obscured at each 
session.

Given there are eight sessions over the men’s and women’s individual and synchro, it would mean almost 5,000 refunds could be issued if people chose to return their tickets, which are all in the £30-50 range.

That is highly unlikely, with the likes of former world champion Tom Daley competing, and with the competition starting on Sunday, it is also short notice, especially for those who may have had to make travel and hotel arrangements.

A statement from LOCOG read: “We have sold up to 600 tickets for the 10m platform diving sessions, which may not have a full view of each dive.

“We put these tickets on sale after the test event, once we had tested these seats and were satisfied with the spectator viewing experience.

“Because of the angle and curve of the Aquatics Centre roof, there may be a small part of the dive which the spectators in these seats can’t see. It is only a very small component – and they can view the whole dive on the big screen. We are in the process of emailing spectators who have these tickets to explain – and we are happy to give a full refund if they are not happy.

“There were several thousand seats in the wings of the Aquatics Centre which we haven’t sold, because the quality of the view of the diving pool wasn’t good enough.

“There is huge public interest in diving. All the seats we have sold have a view of the pool and the divers. A very small number of seats can not see the whole of each dive, but have a good view of the big screens.

“We believe this will still be a great experience in a great 
atmosphere.”

There had also been concerns raised by competitors and officials about the temperature of the venue. Governing body – Fina – regulations state the water temperature must be between 25 and 28 degrees, with the venue a degree warmer.

However, it had risen to two degrees above that of the pool, with the hot weather in London a contributory factor.

Efforts have been made to reduce the heat although, at poolside, the heat was intense.