Jack Laugher kept his cool as the rain poured down to move within one win of a gold medal hat-trick at the Commonwealth Games.

Just 24 hours after winning the 1m springboard, the 23-year old dominated his rivals to win the 3m springboard event.

He was so far ahead going into the sixth and final dive that a medal had been secured and he could probably have bombed the pool and still taken the title.

And he’s not done yet - he competes with Chris Mears in Friday’s 3m synchro event as they look to add the Commonwealth title to their Olympic success in Rio.

Injury has sidelined Laugher for much of this year and this was his first major competition in his signature event.

He admitted nerves but it’s unclear why, he produced six top dives to score 519.40, just a few points down on her personal best score from the Olympics.

Canada’s Philippe Gagne took silver, 67 points behind, while Australia’s James Connor completed the podium, edging Sheffield diver Ross Haslam into fourth for the second straight day.

Laugher has been struggling with injuries but the many of this performance will certainly boost his confidence ahead of diving’s World Series and this summer’s European Championships in Glasgow.

“With my injuries I’m still behind where I need to be, so that score is brilliant and there’s still more in there,” he said.

“I had a pretty dreadful fifth dive in qualifying so to go from that to leading from start to finish and getting that score, it means so much.”

They had Advance Australia Fair stuck on repeat at this venue during the swimming but Laugher is making Jerusalem, England’s stirring anthem, the song of choice and the diving pool his ‘green and pleasant land’.

And Laugher is feeling bullish about hearing it again.

“I was very emotional on the podium, I love that anthem and it really got to me. 

“I was there when the team re-recorded it, so I know it pretty well and feel like I’ve heard it a million times.

“I wasn’t singing though, I’ve got a terrible singing voice.

“Chris and I are extremely experienced and we've got the big three: Commonwealths, Olympics and European titles. 

“Chris is looking in fantastic form and my form is clearly pretty good too, so I can hopefully go out there and complete that hat-trick.”

And Laugher’s performance certainly inspired girlfriend Lois Toulson, who won a surprise bronze in the women’s 10m platform event.

“I wasn't expecting a medal at all,” she admitted.

“Obviously the Olympics is the main aim, but I’m taking it a step at a time. That was a really tough field out there, so I'm really pleased.

“I’m also so pleased for Jack, it meant a lot for him to come over and give me a hug.”

npower is the Official Partner of Team England and is giving our athletes the power of support by recording a brand new version of their anthem, Jerusalem. To listen to the track visit npower.com/teamengland

Ealing Times: