Team USA diver Alison Gibson scored a flat zero at the 2024 Paris Olympics on 7 August and she has since opened up about one of the 'most painful experiences of my life'.
The 25-year-old diver stunned viewers when she collided in mid-air during the women's 3m springboard competition.
In case you missed it, Gibson slammed into the springboard while in a tucked position and attempting a somersault.
Members of the crowd gasped in shock.
Advert
The collision knocked Gibson off balance and as a result she lost her previous form and crashed into the water.
In case that wasn't difficult enough to deal with, she had to try and keep a brave face as the judges awarded her a 0.0 for the dive.
People on social media extended their sympathy.
Advert
One person wrote: "Omg. Glad she’s okay and was able to walk out."
Another said: "Surprised this doesn’t happen more often, even at their level, in the other events some were skimming platforms on the way down, so dangerous."
Gibson has now taken to Substack to open up about how she's feeling.
She wrote: "I asked God why so many times. I was called back into diving a year ago. I won nationals. I qualified the Olympic quota spot at Worlds. I qualified for the Olympics. I made it this far. Just to have it end with a crushing heartbreak. I poured my heart and my soul into training. I sacrificed so much. I’ve asked myself what I did to deserve this. I have walked diligently and faithfully every step of the way. It doesn’t feel fair."
Advert
She continued: "Over the past 24 hours, I’ve cried, and I have been angry. I’ve asked, ‘why would a good God let me make it all the way to this stage just to allow me to get crushed in front of the world?’ This is hard, and my faith has been tested."
Gibson added: "Even though my competition didn’t go the way I wanted. And even though I feel like the world is trying to tear me down piece by piece and leave me shattered, I will keep my chin up because I know that my value and worth come from God.
Advert
"I do not know God’s plan. I do not know why he would allow this, but I must continue persevering, and I hope that my willingness to persevere and fight on can inspire those around me."
Offering strength to others around her, the diver concluded: "“Life is full of painful moments. Life is full of losses, but true character is shown through how you get back up. And I will get back up. If you are struggling with something right now in your life, take my hand, and together, we can fight."
Kya Buller