Abby Johnston, 20-years-old, is looking to end a drought that is older than she is. The USA has not won an Olympic medal in springboard diving since 1988. U.S. women were the strongest in the world on the 3-meter springboard; from the Olympic debut of women’s springboard in 1920 to 1988, they won 33 Olympic medals in springboard diving. Abby Johnston is among a group of women who are looking to leave London with a medal and a message that the USA is back as a powerhouse.
USA Diving high performance director Steve Foley said in an interview, “the U.S. girls now do the hardest dives possible on springboard, so they’re right up there with the best in the world. Then it all comes down to who can do the best dive…People are getting stronger and able to do these dives at a younger age, so it’s just created more depth [in the pool of athletes].”
The women have a long way to go before the Olympics and many opportunities to prove themselves and land a spot on the team. We look forward to seeing these women flourish and reach their dreams.