Paris 2024 Diving: All results, as Long Daoyi and Wang Zongyuan win men's synchro 3m springboard gold; historic silver for Mexico and Team GB’s Jack Laugher and Anthony Harding earn bronze
The People's Republic of China continued their dominance in diving events at Paris 2024 as Long Daoyi and Wang Zongyuan clinched gold by just a two-point margin at the Aquatics Centre on Friday.
The back-to-back world champions faced fierce competition from Mexican duo Juan Manuel Celaya Hernandez and Osmar Olvera Ibarra, who won silver at this event for the first time in nation's history, with Team GB's Jack Laugher, the individual 3m springboard gold medallist at Rio 2016, and Anthony Harding taking bronze.
The men's 3m springboard synchro final at these Olympic Games was nothing short of nail-biting, with the competition coming down to the final dives and demanding perfection from all on the podium until the last splash.
Mexico's phenomenal display briefly put them in the lead, creating intense pressure for the Chinese pair to execute a flawless final dive. But the favorites delivered, ultimately securing the gold for China by a mere 2.07 points.
"We encouraged ourselves throughout the competition. It wasn’t easy, and the contest was tight," said Long. "My teammate has been encouraging me all this time. After these errors, I struggled to find my confidence, but he kept telling me there’s nothing to fear."
Wang echoed similar sentiments, highlighting their preparation and the challenges they overcame. "This competition had an unprecedented feeling. It was exciting, challenging, and very difficult. It was the first time we’ve faced these challenges, and we had to adjust ourselves during the competition."
The silver medallists from Mexico were equally proud of their performance, hoping to inspire the next generation of Mexican divers, just as they had been inspired.
"In 2012, I was a spectator watching Mexican athletes win medals," Olvera Ibarra recalled. "I hope I have motivated youngsters in Mexico to follow this path. Dreams do come true. You have to fight every day, but dreams come true."
Diving: men's 3m synchro springboard podium
Gold: People's Republic of China, 446.10 pts
Silver: Mexico, 444.03 pts
Bronze: Great Britain, 438.15 pts