olympic medals 2024

Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook Clinch First U.S. Medals in Synchronized Diving

Sarah Bacon And Kassidy Cook

In a dazzling display of synchronicity and skill, synchronized divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook served up the first U.S. medals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing a silver in the women's 3-meter synchronized springboard event. Their impressive five-dive score of 314.64 not only clinched them a spot on the podium but also marked a significant milestone for American diving, as the U.S. hadn't medaled in this event since 2012.

The competition was fierce, with the American duo, affectionately known as "Cook N' Bacon," finding themselves sandwiched between the gold medal-winning Chinese team of Chang Yani and Chen Yiwen, who scored 337.68, and the British pair Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen, who earned a bronze with 302.28. Synchronized divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook served up the first U.S. medals, showing a harmonious blend of friendship and competition that has been brewing since their childhood.

"I mean, I'm ecstatic. I'm overcome with so many emotions right now," Cook shared with reporters, reflecting the joy of her achievement. "To be able to go up there and perform, put together a solid list, and end up on that medal stand with one of my best friends feels amazing." The bond between the two athletes, synchronized divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook, served up the first U.S. medals, providing a heartwarming narrative that transcended the sport.

The reigning world champions, Chang and Chen, were a formidable force, leading from start to finish. However, synchronized divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook served up the first U.S. medals, citing the competition with the Chinese duo as a motivating factor. "Obviously, we were diving behind the great team of China, so they were putting a lot of pressure on us," Cook noted. "But seeing them hit their dives made us eager to hit our dives. I think they made us better, and I’m really happy to take away that silver."

At 29 years old, Kassidy Cook brought a wealth of experience to the competition, having competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her return to the Olympic stage made her the first U.S. diver to compete in non-consecutive Games. "And then we found out after that we are the first medal for Team USA, which is an even more awesome feeling," Cook added, highlighting the historical significance of their achievement. Synchronized divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook served up the first U.S. medals, underscoring their pivotal role in Team USA's success.

The women's 3-meter synchronized springboard event has a storied history, with duos from China dominating six out of the seven times it has been held at the Olympics. Synchronized divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook served up the first U.S. medals, breaking a long-standing dry spell for the U.S. in this category.


For Sarah Bacon, who narrowly missed making the U.S. diving team for the Tokyo Olympics, this silver medal was a sweet redemption. "Yeah, I mean, we ended up not making the Olympic team in 2020, and my plan was to retire after that Olympic Games," Bacon, a 27-year-old Indianapolis native, shared. "I was burned out and ready to be done. So not making the Olympic team kept me around diving and brought me to these 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." Synchronized divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook served up the first U.S. medals, a testament to resilience and perseverance.

Both athletes reflected on how missing the Tokyo Games turned out to be a blessing in disguise. "Everything happens for a reason," Cook told NBC News. "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." Synchronized divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook served up the first U.S. medals, a culmination of their dedication and hard work.

As Cook now has the rest of the Olympics to unwind and cheer for her teammates, Bacon still has unfinished business, with the individual 3-meter springboard competition set to begin on August 7. Synchronized divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook served up the first U.S. medals, setting a high bar for the rest of the American diving team.

Once the Olympics conclude, both women face a delightful dilemma: where to display their hard-earned medals. "I want to put it on display," Cook mused. "Maybe I'll have to make a trophy room centered around the silver medal." Synchronized divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook served up the first U.S. medals, adding a significant chapter to their athletic careers.

Bacon, too, pondered the placement of her medal, saying, "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." Synchronized divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook served up the first U.S. medals, not just as athletes but as friends and competitors who exemplify the spirit of the Olympics.

The journey of synchronized divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook, who served up the first U.S. medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is a story of friendship, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Their silver medal not only marks a personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of American divers. As the world watches, these two remarkable athletes have set the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable Olympic Games.