John Pakarinen

Diving

Born in Finland, John was involved in both gymnastics and diving as a child. John moved to Australia in 1959 with his family at the age of 16.

In Sydney he started training with the Jack Barnett Diving Group and spent a lot of time training at North Sydney Swimming Pool and also at North Ryde.

Between 1959 and 1963 he competed in the New South Wales Championships for the 1 metre and 3 metre springboard placing each year.

In 1962 he was chosen to represent Australia at the Commonwealth Games in Perth in the 3 metre springboard and came sixth.

John has two children and is currently living in Mosman.