Saint-Denis, France — Kassidy Cook and Sarah Bacon Capture Silver in Women's 3-Meter Synchronized Springboard at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Historic Achievement

On Saturday, American divers Kassidy Cook and Sarah Bacon achieved a significant milestone by clinching the silver medal in the women’s 3-meter synchronized springboard event at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Their exceptional performance, culminating in a five-dive score of 314.64, not only earned them a spot on the podium but also marked the United States’ first medal of these Games. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first time an American team has medaled in this event since the 2012 London Olympics. Cook and Bacon's impressive finish placed them between the gold medalists, Chinese divers Chang Yani and Chen Yiwen, who scored 337.68, and the bronze medalists, Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen from Great Britain, who posted a score of 302.28.

Personal and Team Dynamics

The pair, known colloquially as "Cook N' Bacon," attribute their success to their deep-rooted friendship and extensive partnership. Having known each other since childhood and diving together as a pair since 2019, their strong personal connection has been a critical factor in their competitive success. "I mean, I'm ecstatic. I'm overcome with so many emotions right now," Cook expressed to reporters. "You know, to be able to go up there and perform [and] put together a solid list and end up on that medal stand with one of my best friends feels amazing."

Competitive Context and Performance

Chang and Chen, the reigning world champions, maintained a lead throughout the competition. Despite the formidable presence of the Chinese duo, Bacon and Cook showcased remarkable composure and resilience. Cook elaborated on the impact of competing against such a prestigious team: “Obviously, we were diving behind the great team of China, so they were putting a lot of pressure on us. But seeing them hit their dives made us eager to hit our dives. I think that they made us better and I’m really happy to take away that silver.”

Athlete Backgrounds and Reflections

Kassidy Cook, 29, a native of Houston, holds the distinction of being the first U.S. diver to compete in nonconsecutive Olympic Games, having previously competed in Rio 2016. The honor of being the first American to secure a medal at these Games further amplifies the significance of her achievement. "And then we found out after that we are the first medal for Team USA, which is an even more awesome feeling," Cook remarked.

Sarah Bacon, 27, hailing from Indianapolis, faced a setback when she narrowly missed making the U.S. diving team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. This missed opportunity, initially perceived as a disappointment, ultimately proved to be a serendipitous turn of events. "Yeah, I mean, we ended up not making the Olympic team in 2020 and my plan was to retire after that Olympic Games," Bacon said. "I was burned out and ready to be done. So not making the Olympic team kept me around diving and brought me to this Olympic Games with Kassidy. To be on the award stand with the silver medal is just unbelievable. I have no words to describe it right now."

Both divers reflect that missing out on Tokyo contributed to their enhanced performance in Paris. Cook conveyed her perspective: “Everything happens for a reason. Those games [in Tokyo], although they were still the Olympic Games, they were not the true experience. And had we gone to that, we probably would have retired because we [would have] accomplished that goal.” She added, “I’m really glad that we held on and made it here.”

Future Endeavors and Celebrations

With the remainder of the Olympic Games ahead, Cook plans to savor the experience and support her teammates, while Bacon will continue to compete in the individual 3-meter springboard event, which begins on August 7. After the Games, both athletes will face the pleasant task of finding a place to display their silver medals. Cook contemplated creating a special display: "I want to put it on display. Maybe I'll have to make a trophy room centered around the silver medal." Bacon, meanwhile, plans to designate a special spot in her home: "I'm going to need to clear out a spot in my house before I can figure out exactly where I'm going to put it. Maybe on a frame on a wall somewhere? It'll be the center point of something."

In summary, Cook and Bacon’s silver medal not only represents a major personal achievement but also highlights the enduring excellence and competitive spirit of American diving on the global Olympic stage.