Clouded by Heartbreaks, Sarah Bacon on Receiving Paris Olympics Qualification: “Wanna See My Family”

After a hefty period, Sarah Bacon earned her Olympic qualification at the 2024 US Olympic Trials in Indianapolis. Teaming up with Kassidy Cook, she overcame all the constraints in the synchronized 3-meter springboard event that had kept her away since her college days. The duo scored 629.82 points in their total 10 dives in two rounds. That remained the way above compared to the nearest opponent. Ultimately, after attaining the qualification, the veteran could not hold back her tears. Even in the post-match conversation with the host, Sarah Bacon cried and shared some valuable words.

Relishing the prized moment, she said, “I can’t even speak right now. I just honestly want to see my family and my coach and then celebrate with my partner tonight.” Despite being one of the most decorated divers in NCAA history, Sarah Bacon failed to replicate her success at the highest level. Her injuries have complicated things for her in the past. Occasionally, her luck spoiled her chance, as was visible in the Tokyo Olympics trial. 

Three years ago, Sarah participated in the individual 3-meter event in the US Olympic trials. However, only two divers could make it into the final roster for the Olympics and the Minnesota alum had no chance because of her third-place finish. Yet in her life, Sarah Bacon has never left the competitive stage with her head low. 

At the NCAA level, the 27-year-old veteran proved her excellence by grabbing titles both in the 3-meter and 1-meter springboard. Because of her unrivaled prowess, Sarah Bacon was awarded the Big Ten’s Female Athlete of the Year in 2021. Apart from that, at the elite level, she proved her mettle by collecting medals throughout the events. 

Sarah Bacon rides on against all adversities 

Battling with adversities, Sarah Bacon has become almost synonymous with the ‘last woman standing’. In her college life, she underwent a career-ending scare because of her shoulder injury. However, she made a comeback from there. Her comeback routines once earned her the prestigious Wendy Wyland award. Still, she continued to follow the victorious anthem of her life. 

In 2021, Sarah Bacon failed her Olympic ticket, but she captivated the diving stage with her silver medal in the World Cup. Her artistry in diving once credited her with the second position in the 1-meter event in the World Aquatics Championships in Gwangju. In 2023, as well, she tried to grab a medal in the World Aquatics Championships, teaming up with Kassidy Cook. But the duo missed the chance by a whisker. However, their mutual understanding did not face a hit despite facing the fall. Today as well, Kassidy gifted her traditional diving ring to Sarah Bacon after achieving the Olympic qualification. Now it’s time for her to reign over the uncharted territory of the Olympic Games.