Hollywood star Jason Statham was a competitive diver before he became a global action icon.
Photos of a then-23-year-old Jason Statham representing Team GB in diving at the 1990 Commonwealth Games resurfaced this weekend, prompting a look back at the actor's unlikely journey from the diving board to the big screen.
Statham, now 57, was a dedicated diver who attempted to qualify for the 1988 and 1992 Olympics but unfortunately failed on both occasions. He then transitioned from diving into modelling, and subsequently appeared in music videos, before ultimately becoming the gritty Hollywood hard man he is known for today.
While he may be renowned for his action-packed roles, Statham's athletic background is no secret. He competed in three events at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in Auckland, representing England. He achieved a top-10 finish in the one-metre springboard and secured two 11th places in the three and 10-metre platforms.
In a 2008 interview with the BBC, Statham credited his sporting career for shaping his work ethic and focus, stating: "I think what I didn't achieve in sports helped me focus more and take my acting career more seriously."
Statham's passion for sport extends beyond diving, as he is well-versed in martial arts, including kickboxing and karate, skills he has showcased in many of his films.
His journey into diving began in his youth. Statham has said that seeing a high diver in Miami during a family holiday sparked his interest, leading him to join a diving club at age 11 or 12. He quickly progressed, becoming a member of the British team within a year, and dedicated the next decade to the sport.
In 1985, Statham was inducted into the British National Diving School, earning the right to represent Great Britain and England in international competitions. However, despite his efforts, a place at the Olympics eluded him.
While his acting career has been highly successful, with major hits like "The Expendables," "Transformers," and the "Fast & Furious" franchise, Statham has openly admitted that missing out on the Olympics is a regret.
In 2016, after Jack Laugher and Chris Mears became the first British divers to win Olympic gold in Rio, Statham expressed his pride but also acknowledged his own missed opportunity: "It's a bit of a sore point that I never got to the Olympics. They deserve it. The divers now are just terrific. I started too late. It probably wasn't my thing. I should have done a different sport."
Despite this, Statham's diving career provided him with valuable life lessons that ultimately contributed to his success in Hollywood.
