Divers in the men’s 3-meter springboard finals must showcase six different dives–a series of moves performed in the air between takeoff and entry into the pool. The most advanced diver enters the water smoothly, disturbing it as little as possible.
FOUR KEY ELEMENTS
Approach: The few steps toward the end of the board before the takeoff should be smooth but forceful.
Takeoff: A diver’s lift from the board before execution of the dive must have control, balance and proper angle.
Elevation: A higher dive allows for greater accuracy and smoothness of movement.
Execution: A judge watches for mechanical performance, technique, form and grace in the dive.
The dive
Divers choose from five basic groups of dives, which have numerous subgroups.
Forward dives
Backward dives
Basic positions
Making a `rip’ entry
The last thing judges see, the dive’s entry is considered the
most significant. Olympic divers strive for a “rip” entry, one
with a ripping sound and little or no splash.
Entry position: Stretching for the water, the hands are stacked on top of each other with the palms flat. The hands push through the water, creating an opening for the body. The shoulders and arms should be squeezed close to the ears.
At entry: The body should be vertical, 90 degrees with the water, and straight, with no bending at the waist.
Keeping score
Seven judges assess each dive for style and technique.
Each judge rates each dive from 0 (failed) to 10 (very good).
More Top Picks Alarm Clock
The highest and lowest scores are dropped; the remaining are totaled.
The total is multiplied by the dive’s total degree of difficulty, which ranges from 1.2 to 3.7
The five remaining dives are scored
That score is added to the semifinal to get the overall score.
Note: Semifinals consist of only five dives.
Athletes to watch
– Wang Feng
China
Runner-up at the 2004 FINA Diving World Cup.
– Alexandre Despatie
Canada
Won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 1998 at age 13.
– Ken Terauchi
Japan
A bronze medalist at 2001 world championships.
2000 results
Men’s springboard
G. Xiong Ni, China
S. Fernando Alvarez, Mexico
B. Dmitry Sautin, Russia
All-time medal standings
Competition began in 1908
United States: 37
Soviet Union: 7
Yugoslavia: 6
Brazil: 5
Sources: International Aquatic Federation; Jim Quinlivan, U.S. Diving, Inc.; U.S. Olympic Committee; “Sports: The Complete Visual Reference” and “Rules of the Game”