'Irish Times' photographer Alan Betson captures the surge of energy at the National Aquatic Centre, where high diving is the coolest concept in Irish water sports

Falling with style from seven metres in the air, Tom Fogarty reaches a speed of 27 mph just before he hits the surface of the National Aquatic Centre's diving pool. Tom is nine years old and with the help of Ireland's first head diving coach, Ricardo Gutiérrez, he is duelling against the forces of gravity in search of perfection.

Gutiérrez, a former national diving champion in Mexico, is a man with a mission. For the first time in the Republic, state-of-the-art facilities at Abbotstown in west Dublin have opened the door to springboard and platform diving.

On the first lesson Gutiérrez informs his class that here they are going to be facing the most horrible and the most difficult person ever, themselves. "Open your mind and I will guide you." Gutiérrez has the class exactly where he wants them - focused.

"We are not just making divers here, we are making little minds, little persons," he explains.

The platforms rise above the poolside, in increments, 1 metre, 5 metres, 7 metres, to the dizzying height of 10 metres. Vents in the pool's floor release air to create a cushion in the event of the dreaded bellyflop.

The process of confidence building is the backbone to the lessons; strict, slow and careful training transforms children into confident young performers who leave the pool just a little bit taller each time.

Some of the adults who bring their children to classes are enrolling and conquering their own long-held fears.

Gutiérrez's vision is clear, his sights are set on the UK national championships. "Hopefully I will go to steal some medals with my kids," he says. Then he will look to produce a world champion from Ireland. He is already working on a five-year plan to bring Irish divers to the Olympics.

"It is all possible, but not just with a swimming pool," says Gutiérrez, who competed for Mexico at two Olympic Games and is a former assistant diving coach for the Mexican Olympic team. His is a familiar call for resources and funding to fuse with the obvious sporting potential.

Diving lessons are available at the National Aquatic Centre daily for those aged six to 80-plus. Tel: 01-6464364 or see www.nac.ie