After years of hard work and determination, nothing hurts more than just barely missing the qualifications into a finals event. This was the case for USA diver Kassidy Cook on Saturday, August 13th during the Women's 3 Meter Springboard Diving Competition at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Cook just missed making the top 12 and moving into the finals event by less than 4 points. Cook knows what it feels like to miss out on an event by a small margin, especially after she was outed a spot on the 2012 Olympic team by falling just .42 points short to Abby Johnston at the Olympic Trials.
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Since then, Cook's journey after the trials have been nothing but sweet. She started back at the pool on the 10 meter platform where she completely tore the labrum in her right shoulder just weeks later. Ironically enough, Cook's shoulder surgery actually took place on the same day as the Olympic opening ceremonies. Even after the surgery, Cook's shoulder wasn't up to par and needed to go back under the knife in 2013 which put her out for another season. Six anchors were installed in Cook's shoulder and according to Cook in an interview with NBC, her doctor said she might never get the full motion back in her shoulder that she needed for diving.
Kassidy Cook proved them wrong. After all was said and done, with just 18 months until Rio, Cook bounced back on the boards in 2015 and started her climb to the top.
In the Preliminary Women's 3 Meter Springboard Diving Event on August 12th, Kassidy Cook took 8th and advanced to the next day. After starting the semifinals event with a steady inward two and a half somersault, she faced a major hiccup. She was short on her second dive, the forward 3 and a half somersault in the pike position, which meant she had to chase the top competitors for a spot in the finals.
Pictured above is Kassidy Cook and her Coach Ken Armstrong after a tough forward 3 and a half. Cook, despite receiving scores that sent her towards the bottom of the pack, remains cool, calm, and collective– the qualities every diver needs in any competition.
After having a consistent rest of the competition, Cook was just shy of qualifying, placing 13th with a score of 304.35.
But despite coming home from the games without a medal, Kassidy Cook has shown a tremendous amount of sportsmanship and perseverance not only as a diver but as an athlete. Cook is the kind of diver every coach wants on their team and the type of teammate you want practicing beside you. That being said, here are just a few reasons why Kassidy Cook is every divers athlete goals.
1. She is a fighter
After missing the chance to represent the USA in the 2012 Games, Cook was restless and hungry for another chance. When her shoulder injury put her out of training shortly after that, Kassidy capitalized on every opportunity to get herself prepared for the 2016 Olympic Trials where she finished on top for the Women's 3 Meter Springboard event.
2. She has got a killer physique
Kassidy Cook has got abs of steel. She really seems like the diver who is going to push her teammates in training and go for that extra set of abs before taking the water. And look at her shoulders! You wouldn't believe this girl tore her entire labrum even if someone paid you!
3. She has quite the following on social media.
Kassidy Cook has over 100k followers on Instagram and almost 30k followers on Twitter. This social media presence is essential to growing the sport of diving and inspiring the next generation of athletes. She also couldn't be any greater of an example of what you should and shouldn't post on social media.
4. She has got some major hops
Her forward hurdle really shows you how powerful Cook really is. Not only does she stay in control, but by the time she leaves the springboard, she's soaring up by the 5 meter platform. Cook looks as though she has found the recipe for success when it comes to awesome board work.
5. She is all about sportsmanship
Although Cook didn't live up to her own expectations at the Olympic Games, she is still proud to be there. Instead of playing the blame game or seeking out a pity party on social media, Cook stays humble and proud. She really is just one big bundle of joy.
6. Cook has more left in the tank
According to NBC Olympics, Kassidy Cook is already looking ahead. When NBC's Kelli Stavast asked if we can expect to see Cook competing at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Cook responded, "Yes, ma'am, you can." Can we be anymore happy for Cook? I know I can't wait to see her take to the boards in four more years for a little redemption.
The sport of diving needs more athletes like Kassidy Cook. Kassidy, we look forward to supporting you throughout the coming years and we are looking forward to seeing you at the Olympic stage again. The entire USA Diving Organization, your teammates, friends, families and fellow athletes and coaches everywhere are rooting for your success as your rip back into training and start preparing for what is in store.
