US diver Alison Gibson reported sustaining cuts and bruises after making contact with the board during the 3m women’s springboard competition on Wednesday.
During her initial dive in the preliminary round, Gibson’s feet struck the springboard while she was in a tuck position executing a somersault.
Following a loud thud that elicited gasps from the crowd, Gibson fell awkwardly into the water, effectively extinguishing her hopes for an Olympic medal as she received zero points for that dive. Despite the setback, she continued to perform her remaining four dives with as much composure as possible but ultimately finished in last place, bringing her journey in Paris to a close.
“I struck my heels and feet on the board. I have cuts on both sides, and my right heel is pretty bruised, but I was determined to continue,” Gibson, visibly upset, stated, with the injuries still fresh on her feet.
“I was definitely in pain. However, I hope that anyone watching saw what it means to rise up and persevere even when things don’t go as planned. It’s all about the fight.”
“Clearly, today didn’t unfold the way I had envisioned. But I believe every experience is a chance to learn and grow, and I genuinely hope that the next generation of athletes understands that even in the toughest times, you can keep persevering and walk with courage.”
The 25-year-old almost retired after finishing last in the synchronised 3m springboard at the Tokyo Games three years ago.
Despite this, she chose to return to the sport to raise awareness for causes outside the pool. She is sponsoring a child in Kenya through Missions of Hope International, a non-profit organization, and hoped her Olympic journey would spotlight this initiative.
“I didn’t want to return just for diving; I aimed to make an impact beyond myself,” she explained. “My goal is for every child at that school to have a sponsor by the end of the Olympics. I sincerely hope the bravery I demonstrated today inspires those around me.”
