• London Olympics 2012

Daley labels £269m Aquatics Centre 'a bit cold'

Tom Daley dives into the new Olympic pool © PA Photos

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• Profile: Tom Daley

Great Britain's diving prospect Tom Daley tested out the new pool at the Olympic Aquatics Centre on Wednesday, and instantly declared "it's a bit cold".

Daley's dive was the first at the new venue, which will play host not only to divers but also to the likes of Rebecca Adlington and Michael Phelps in the swimming competitions. Former world 10m platform champion Daley is hoping to get on the podium in a year's time, at the still-raw age of 18.

His publicity dive was the first test of the Centre, which cost £269 million to construct. It will be repeated in a year's time after the Brit revealed he performed one of the manoeuvres that he will actually use in the Olympic Games.

And, after an initial shock, Daley was extremely impressed with the new venue: "It was a bit cold when I first hit the water, but the pool looks absolutely incredible," Daley said in the Sun.

"To think what it will be like when the arena is packed - I'll probably need new ears by the time next year comes around. Every athlete's dream is to compete at an Olympic Games so to get the opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd is so special."

The British women's synchronised team were also in attendance, complimenting the pool's underwater sound system, which has been deliberately made to be loud so that the participants can hear the music underwater. That will not be a concern of Daley, who got rid of some early nerves with Wednesday's dive.

"I was nervous and excited about doing the first dive. But I gave it my best shot. It will be one of the dives at London 2012. It's just great to think what the Aquatics Centre will be like next year. It will be awesome."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.