PARIS (NEXSTAR) – With less than a week until the start of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the Team USA diving team is feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.
During a press conference on Monday, members of the team shared some of the struggles they have faced over the past few years and what it will be like to compete in Paris.
“I’m still letting it all sink in, but it’s so exciting being here and everything so far has been great,” Olympic diver Sarah Bacon said.
Bacon, who is from Indianapolis, is considered one of the athletes to watch this summer. After battling a series of injuries and contemplating leaving the sport, she will now compete in her first Olympics in the women’s 3-meter springboard and the synchronized 3-meter event.
Kassidy Cook from The Woodlands, Texas also secured a spot alongside Bacon to compete in the 3-meter synchro.
Cook recently became the first American female diver to make non-consecutive Olympic teams. A shoulder injury prevented her from competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“It kind of just left a bitter taste in my mouth. I felt like me and Sarah hadn’t accomplished everything that we were capable of in 2020,” Cook said.
Alison Gibson is back from retirement for her second Olympics. She said the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was “gut-wrenching,” but she decided to return to the sport after talking with her mentors and teammates.
“I thought it was impossible to make the Olympics in less than a year. Most people would [agree], but I thought why not?” Gibson said.
Gibson will compete in the women’s 3-meter springboard.
The above video also includes interviews with Team USA’s Andrew Capobianco, Jessica Parratto, Tyler Downs and Delaney Schnell.
Diving events kick off on Saturday, July 27 and will run through Saturday, August 10.