The Commonwealth Games were the biggest event Dingley has competed in

Harrogate diver Oliver Dingley has his sights set on a place in the 2012 Olympics after competing for England in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

The 17-year-old took part in the one metre springboard and the three metre synchro along with Jack Laugher.

Dingley told BBC Radio York: "It was an amazing experience. It's one step on the ladder to the Olympics.

"I got some great advice from athletes that have competed at the Olympics and it was amazing to meet my idols."

He added: "The whole experience was phenomenal.

"One day I was on the physio bed and Rebecca Adlington came up next to me so I got to say 'hi' to her.Dingley finished ninth in the 1m springboard and he was pleased with his performance.

"My goal was trying to make the final and in qualification for the final I came third.

"It was a major achievement for me getting the qualifying above all these Olympians from around the world.

"In the final I missed out on my second dive which cost me a medal but it was close."

The first competition which is my goal for next year is the World Championships Oliver Dingley

Dingley is now turning his attentions to a place in the Great Britain squad for the Olympics.

"We have to qualify for the 2012 Games and qualification starts at the end of 2011," he said.

"Then there are certain qualification periods where you can qualify for a spot for your country.

"Then as a nation you have your own trials for the Olympics. The first competition which is my goal for next year is the World Championships where you can start qualifying for spots for the Olympics."

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