First Olympic Medals for Team USA
Team USA is off to a great start at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook won the first medals of the Paris Olympics on Saturday, winning the silver medal in the women’s 3-meter synchronized springboard competition. The American duo scored 314.64 points, which put them firmly in second place behind Chang Yani and Chen Yiwen of China.
The silver medal marked Team USA’s first medal in women’s synchronized springboard since Kelci Bryant and Abby Johnston won silver in London in 2012. This is Bacon’s Olympic debut and the Indianapolis native will also compete in the individual springboard in Paris.
Cook is from Woodlands, Texas, and this is her second appearance at the Olympics.
Their Road to Paris
Just three years ago, Bacon was one place short of claiming a spot for the 2020 Olympics. Bacon was confident she’d make that team, so much so that she planned on retiring after the games in Tokyo.
When she didn’t secure a spot, Bacon’s determination never ceased. She couldn’t fathom ending her diving career without the title of an Olympian. “The last Olympics was kind of bittersweet,” Bacon said. “It was over COVID, and I would say I was one of the favorites to make that team. But honestly, it kept me diving. I wanted to make an Olympic team before it was all over.”
For Bacon, this achievement came with its share of obstacles. Throughout high school, Bacon had several stress fractures in her back. She even won the Wendy Wyland Award in 2019 for overcoming setbacks. She is also one of the most decorated collegiate divers, winning four NCAA championships at Minnesota and winning the 2021 Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year.
She competed in the 2016 Rio Games and placed 13th in the 3-meter springboard. She was also a member of the 2016 and 2020 World Cup teams.
Australia’s Last Dive Secured Silver for Team USA
The Americans were in the top three all morning, but they weren’t assured of silver until Australian Anabelle Smith “landed on the side of the board” on approach, causing her to flub her final dive.
Nickname Sticks
“Our Olympic trials are a lot more stressful than it is here in Paris,” Bacon said. “We’ve competed against these girls internationally before, so we knew that we were capable of being on that podium. We were able to just get out there, relax, have fun, and dive our best,” said Bacon. In doing so, they raised awareness about one of the best nicknames – Cook ‘n Bacon – you’ll find in American sports.
See their excitement here
