Cook’N Bacon Claims Silver in Synchronized Diving at Paris Olympics

On a spectacular Saturday, American divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook made waves in the women’s synchronized 3m springboard finals at the Paris Olympics, snagging a silver medal. This achievement marked not only their first Olympic medal but also a significant moment for Team USA.

For Bacon, who is 27, this victory came after a long journey. This was her fourth attempt at making the Olympic team, while 29-year-old Cook made her second Olympic appearance, having previously competed in Rio 2016.

After their dives, both Bacon and Cook shared their joy with NBC Olympics. Bacon expressed her disbelief, saying, “It’s just unbelievable” to call herself an Olympic medalist. Cook echoed that sentiment, sharing how surreal it felt and how hard they worked to make it to the medal stand.

Reflecting on their performance, Bacon explained that they were confident after their recent success in international meets, and they knew they were capable of medaling. She added that just being part of the first medal ceremony of the Olympics is an incredible honor.

On the day of the competition, both divers managed to get a good night’s sleep despite missing the Opening Ceremony. They prioritized rest over attending the event and were well-prepared when the day came.

When asked about family support, Cook mentioned hearing the chants of “Go Kass,” and “Cook’N Bacon,” which helped ease her nerves during the competition. Bacon added that hearing Cook’s dad cheering for them was a special moment.

Both divers highlighted the importance of family in their journeys. Cook revealed that her family, which includes five siblings, made sacrifices to be there for her. Bacon shared that her brothers and nephew also traveled to support her, making this moment even more special.

Having known each other since childhood, their long friendship added to the significance of this achievement. Cook recalled their ups and downs and how standing on the podium together was a great honor.

The duo also talked about their motivations for returning after not qualifying in 2021 for the Tokyo Olympics. Bacon said the heartbreak of missing out pushed them to continue competing, while Cook mentioned feeling they had unfinished business and wanted to prove themselves.

In training leading up to the Olympics, staying healthy was a crucial focus for both athletes. Bacon commented that when they’re both physically fit, they perform well, and they aimed to enjoy the experience rather than stress about it.

Looking ahead, Bacon will compete in the individual springboard event on August 7, while Cook will be cheering her on from the stands. Both divers expressed excitement and pride in their accomplishments as they continue in the Olympics.