Diver Michael Wright has checked off one major goal on his list of things to do in his diving career at Tennessee -- break the school record. 

The UT standout not only shattered the record, previously held by Tennessee alum and Olympian Jevon Tarantino, he also claimed the one-meter springboard national championship at the USA Diving Winter Nationals earlier this month at Ohio State’s McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion in Columbus, Ohio.

Wright’s score of 396.00 broke Tarantino’s mark of 388.65, set at the 2004 NCAA Championships.

The 6'1, 185-pound Wright made history by becoming the first African-American to win a USA diving national championship title. He is also the first African-American member of the Tennessee swimming and diving team.

“it takes commitment, hard work, dedication, and conditioning," Wright said.

Wright transferred to Tennessee from Indian River Community College in Florida in 2008, coming in as a two-time junior college national champion, setting school records in both the one-meter and three-meter springboards. He chose Indian River based on their top diving program and scholarship offers. Upon enrolling at Tennessee, he came with a goal in mind of setting school records here, too.

A native of Forest Park, Ill., a suburb of Chicago, Wright grew up spending much of his time at a gym co-owned by his mother. He competed in gymnastics until high school, when he discovered his talent could take him elsewhere.

Wright was a member of the diving team at Chicago’s St. Patrick High School for four years. His coach recognized Wright’s talent after his sophomore year and recommended that he dive for a club team year-round. By his senior year, he had broken every school diving record.

"It takes fear and adrenaline," Wright said of taking the first dive. "There is a crazy amount of fear the first time, the fear of being lost in the air. But it's the rush you get if you get your intended outcome."It takes fear and adrenaline. There is a crazy amount of fear the first time, the fear of being lost in the air. But it’s the rush you get if you get your intended outcome. Michael Wright

While his adventurous spirit, competitive drive, and natural talent have led him to an impressive diving career so far, Wright has faced a major challenge this season. After suffering a back injury last season as a junior, he is red-shirting this year to heal completely and be ready to compete at a high level for his senior year.

Despite this setback, Wright was able to compete in the Winter Nationals because they were sanctioned by USA diving and not by the NCAA.

When asked what life outside the pool is like, he laughed.

“Life outside the pool?” Wright joked.

In the limited amount of time that Wright does not spend conditioning and practicing, he focuses on his major, Studio Art, and relaxes by playing Call of Duty on Xbox with his teammates. Once he arrived at Tennessee, it didn’t take long for Wright to grasp the religion that is UT athletics, as he enjoys attending other sporting events such as football and basketball games.

Wright credits a well-rounded background of coaching to his success. He has had four different coaches since he started diving. He also credits his family.

“They support me 100 percent,” Wright said.

Following graduation in 2011, Wright plans to continue training to reach his goal of competing in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.

So, what sets Wright, a national champion diver, apart from others in his sport?

“I’m not afraid to go out and fail,” Wright said.