Calgarian diver Caeli McKay posts third fourth-place finish at Olympics
Posted Aug 6, 2024 8:43 am.
Last Updated Aug 6, 2024 1:16 pm.
Although it’s very impressive to finish fourth in the world in any sport, it also can be a heartbreaking spot for athletes at the Olympics.
Give Calgary diver Caeli McKay plenty of credit for putting that feeling into perspective.
The Canadian was one spot off the Paris podium in the women’s 10-metre final on Tuesday, just a few days after also finishing fourth in the women’s 10-metre synchro event with partner Kate Miller. What’s more, McKay also finished fourth three years ago in Tokyo in the 10-metre synchro event with Meaghan Benfeito.
North Korea’s Mi Rae Kim was third in the individual event with 372.10 points, fewer than eight points ahead of McKay. The North Korean diver nailed her final dive after McKay also had an even better final effort in a tight battle for bronze.
China’s Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi won gold and silver, respectively, for the second Olympics in a row after teaming up to take the synchro title.
The North Korean diver was not in the 2023 world championships when McKay finished third behind the Chinese pair.
An emotional McKay talked about the importance of having her family in Paris.
“It’s like a dream come true, it’s all really coming together,” she said. “I gave up a lot when I moved away (to Montreal to train with the Canadian team). My brothers were really young, so I missed them growing up and now they’re men and watching me at the Olympic finals.
“Being able to be here with them, medal or not, I’m just so thankful.”
