Silver Success for “Cook’N Bacon” at Paris 2024 Olympics
PARIS – Kassidy Cook and Sarah Bacon have made history by winning the first medal for Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The dynamic duo, affectionately known as “Cook’N Bacon,” clinched silver in the women’s synchronized 3-meter springboard final on Saturday at the Aquatics Center.
The American pair scored a total of 314.64 points, securing the silver medal. The gold went to three-time world champions Chang Yani and Chen Yiwen of China, who scored 337.68. Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen of Great Britain completed the podium with a score of 302.28 for bronze.
Cook and Bacon’s Journey to Silver
Cook, 29, and Bacon, 27, celebrated their first medal together as synchronized diving partners, having narrowly missed qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics three years ago.
“I feel like it’s been a really long journey coming,” said Bacon, reflecting on the disappointment of missing Tokyo. “I was hoping to make the Olympic team in 2021; that didn’t happen. So making it this time, and winning silver with my best friend at the Olympics, is indescribable.”
Their perseverance through injuries and mental challenges culminated in their triumphant silver-medal finish in Paris.
Cook made history as the first-ever woman diver to compete in non-consecutive Games, having last competed at the Rio 2016 Olympics.
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“I think that my journey is an uncommon one,” said Cook about her eight-year Olympic hiatus. “I’m the first female diver to attend non-consecutive Olympic Games. In between, I’ve faced many personal challenges. So knowing my grit and determination paid off means everything to me.”
Bacon credited her mental strength to her family and boyfriend, Nick Jaworski, a former Mississippi State University kicker.
Support and Encouragement from Loved Ones
“It’s been hard mentally,” said Bacon, originally from Indianapolis. “I remember asking my boyfriend if it was worth it. He told me, ‘You’re going to go back, dive, and make your dream happen.’ I’m so glad he pushed me to come back.”
The Americans delivered strong performances throughout the competition, scoring 49.80, 51.00, 71.010, 72.54, and 70.20. Their consistency, with three consecutive 70s, secured their place on the podium.
Cook emphasized the importance of staying focused and how the competitive 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials helped prepare them for Paris.
“I was super relaxed the whole time,” said Cook. “Our Olympic trials are more stressful than this competition. Competing against these girls internationally before, we knew we could be on the podium.”
Bacon shared her confidence in their performance after the final dive.
Looking Ahead: More Diving Competitions
“I hit the water, trusted her and her diving,” Bacon said. “After the last dive, I knew we’d medal. I just didn’t know which color.”
Cook’s Olympic competition ended, but she will stay to support Bacon and other U.S. divers.
“I’m done competing at the Olympics,” said Cook, from The Woodlands, Texas. “I’ll support my teammates, watch Bacon compete in individual events, and try to enjoy this amazing opportunity.”
Bacon will compete in the women’s 3-meter springboard preliminaries on August 7, having qualified individually in June.
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