Jonah Brant Making Waves at State

For some athletes, the state championship is about medals and titles. However, for senior diver Jonah Brant, it was about something bigger: finishing strong, having fun, and appreciating how far he had come.

Before stepping onto the one-meter springboard at his last high school state meet, Jonah felt a mixture of nerves and pride. 

“I was nervous, but I was also proud,” Jonah said. “I was proud just to be there and to see how far I’ve come. It being my last high school meet made it feel special.”

When the competition ended, Jonah stood as the new state champion with a winning score of 295.8, setting a new 5A state record in the process. 

Even with the medal around his neck, Jonah says the title of “state champion” isn’t what matters most to him.

“It’s not really the medal or the title that makes you a champion,” he said. “It’s what you accomplish on and off the diving board. I just wanted to dive, have fun, and do my best one last time.”

Jonah’s credits his coach, Dwain Picou, or as Jonah knows him, Mr. Coach, for introducing him to the sport and helping him grow into the athlete he is today. “If it wasn’t for my coach, I wouldn’t have even heard of diving.”

What Jonah will miss most isn’t just the competitions, it’s the moments in between. Long car rides to meets in Asheville and Sylva became part of the experience, filled with jokes, stories, and conversations about anything.

“In the car rides, we’d tell dad jokes and riddles,” Jonah said. “My coach would tell stories about past divers and swimmers and even his own life. Those little moments are what I’m going to miss the most.”

Diving has given Jonah plenty of great memories. He describes the best part of diving as the feeling when he jumps from the board.

“When I’m on the board, I feel calm and free, like I can just be myself,” he said. “It’s the best feeling.”

The worst part, he admits, is splatting hard on his stomach or back during a dive meet. But, even more challenging than the physical pain, was facing fear.

“I was terrified to try new and harder dives,” Jonah said. “It would get in my head, but I knew I had to do them. So I just sent it and overcame my fears.”

Looking ahead, Jonah hopes to continue diving in college, either on a team or through a club. No matter where he goes next, he says diving has taught him a lesson he’ll carry for the rest of his life.

“The key to my success is facing my fears and having fun,” Jonah said. “But the main thing diving taught me is that you have to have courage. You just have to send it.”

As Jonah steps off the diving board for the final time as a high school athlete, he leaves behind more than a record-breaking score. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, fun, and pushing past fear, one jump at a time.