Insulted Newbury Dives Into Weight Loss

Newcastle Herald

Monday August 6, 2007

EDITED BY MICHAEL PARRIS

A STINGING remark about her post-baby weight has helped spur Athens Olympic heroine Chantelle Newbery's comeback, New Idea magazine reports.

"You obviously don't dive anymore you look like you'd make one heck of a splash now," Newbery recalled being told when recognised by a stranger at a pool.

"No one ever tells you that you're fat to your face, so I was very taken aback and pretty upset. I'm hard on myself, so I was more than aware I had to lose weight after having the baby. But hearing someone else say it was horrible."

Four months later, Newbery, 30, has trimmed 20 kilograms from her 153-centimetre frame.

"I certainly didn't expect to be wearing a lycra swimsuit again this quickly. I must get Olympic fever," she said.