Yona knight-Wisdom will make history at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro as the first male diver to compete for Jamaica at the Olympic level. He has also made his own personal academic history by graduating from Leeds Beckett University with a BSc degree in Sport and Exercise Science. Yona, who is 21 years of age, began diving after watching the 2004 Olympic Games held in Athens; he first represented Jamaica in the sport in 2012, competing in the World Aquatics Championships in Barcelona in 2013 and at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014. He won a silver medal at the Diving World Cup in Rio in February 2016. Yona was born in Leeds in the United Kingdom. His father is Jamaican and his mother is Babadian. Commenting on his academic success, Yona said he enjoyed his time studying at Leeds Becket and was grateful for all the support he received that allowed him to continue his university studies while maintaining his sporting commitments. Yona will not be able to attend his graduation ceremony, however, as he will be in a training camp preparing for his Olympic bid. “I’m delighted to graduate in the same year as I compete in the Olympic Games,” he said, and although he won’t be at the graduation, he wished all the other students graduating from Leeds Beckett the best of luck in whatever career they choose to follow. Several other former Leeds Beckett students will also be competing in Rio, including Alistair Brownlee, Msc Finance student and gold medalist at the London 2012 games; Tom Bosworth, Bsc Sports Performance graduate and race walker; Sarah Barrow, diver, and Bsc Sport and Exercise Science graduate; Laura Weightman, 2013 graduate and 1,500-meter runner; and Emily Scarratt, England Rugby 7s captain and Bsc Sport and Exercise graduate.
Yona Knight-Wisdom, First Male Diver to Compete for Jamaica at Olympics, Earns Degree in Leeds

Poll
You may also like

Jamaica Magazine
What’s It Like Being a Jamaican Living in Ireland?

Jamaica Magazine
Celebrating Nadine Sutherland: 40+ Years of Hits, Resilience, and Musical Excellence

Jamaica Magazine
WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL: God on the Throne

Jamaica Magazine
8 Things to Know About Jamaican-American Reverend Michael Blake, Who is Running for New York City Mayor

Jamaica Magazine
Amy Jacques Garvey : Trailblazing Pan Africanist, Journalist & the Unsung Architect of Garveyism

Jamaica Magazine
Did You Know James Earl Jones Played a Jamaican Immigrant in This Hidden Gem?

Jamaica Magazine
Did Jamaica Ever Observe Daylight Saving Time?

Jamaica Magazine
WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL: Choose This Day Whom You Will Serve