Cao Yuan Captures Gold Despite Unpredictable Conditions

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Photo Courtesy: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

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Editorial Coverage Sponsored By FINIS

By Erin Keaveny, Swimming World College Intern

The men’s individual three-meter was fairly unpredictable. While the pool water may almost be back to normal, divers seemed to have traded swampy waters for high winds.

After a shocking preliminary elimination for China and weather conditions effecting divers performances and mentalities the men’s final seemed to have already unveiled all of its surprises. Yet, earlier this morning the reigning Olympic gold medalist Ilia Sakharov, who had just squeezed passed preliminaries after hitting the board, finished in last place in the semifinals with a failed dive. Great Britain’s Jack Laugher was the last qualifier, finishing semifinals in twelfth place.

On top of the podium at the end of the day was Cao Yuan of China. He held onto first place after every round, showing incredible consistency. This is China’s fifth diving gold medal in Rio so far.

Laugher exhibited determination and metal strength, improving on his shaky semifinal performance to take home the silver medal. Patrick Hausding will be bringing a bronze medal back to Germany after finishing in fourth place in 2012.

Americans Mike Hixon and Kristian Ipsen both had strong performances in all rounds. Ipsen finished in fifth and Hixon in tenth.

Diving will continue tomorrow with women’s individual ten-meter preliminaries.

 

 

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