Anabelle Smith

Biography

Anabelle Smith began her journey in the world of diving at the age of 11. From a young age, she was determined to don the green and gold at the Olympic Games, although she initially explored various sports before finding her passion for diving. By 14, Anabelle was dedicating up to 30 hours a week to her training, steadily honing her skills.

In 2008, her dedication paid off when she was admitted to the prestigious Victorian Institute of Sport. That same year, she received the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship Award, providing her with crucial funding and mentorship from Debbie Watson OAM. Her junior career flourished, marked by significant achievements including the Pierre de Coubertin award and two bronze medals at the Junior World Championships.

At 17, Anabelle competed in her first Commonwealth Games in Delhi, earning a bronze medal in the 10m synchronised platform event. Her Olympic dream came true in 2012 when she represented Australia at the London Olympics, finishing fifth in the 3m synchronised springboard event.

Over the years, Anabelle continued to excel, claiming a bronze medal at both the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the 2016 Rio Olympics. In 2018, she added to her medal tally with another bronze at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Anabelle's leadership extended beyond the pool as she served on the Australian Institute of Sport Athlete Advisory Committee and the Olympians Club of Victoria Board. Her commitment to the sport was further demonstrated in 2021 when she qualified for her third Olympic Games in Tokyo, ultimately finishing 14th in the semi-final.

The pinnacle of her career came in 2022 when Anabelle and her diving partner, Maddison Keeney, won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and secured a silver medal at the World Championships in 2024, ensuring their spot for the Paris Olympics. Recognized for her spirit and determination, Anabelle was honored with the Sarah Tait Spirit Award in 2022. She also holds a degree in exercise and sports science from the Australian Catholic University, showcasing her dedication to both her sport and education.