Sarah Bacon was already an accomplished diver long before setting her sights on Paris. With five NCAA championships, numerous international medals, and now an Olympic silver in the women’s synchronized 3-meter springboard, her achievements speak for themselves.
The Laker Pioneer caught up with the Mound resident to learn more about her Olympic journey.
Q: Can you share what it felt like when you found out you were going to your first Olympics?
Bacon: It was surreal. I’ve been diving for 20 years, starting when I was eight. Seeing everything pay off and my dreams come true was indescribable—I just started crying.
Q: What inspired you to pursue diving at a competitive level, and how did you get started in the sport?
Bacon: My story is unique because most divers start in gymnastics. No one in my family dove. I played soccer and swam, and was introduced to diving at a country club in my home state of Indiana when I was seven. A year or so later, I was talent identified by USA Diving, and by 12, I was training 10 hours a day and being homeschooled. Eventually, I decided I wanted to be a normal kid and went to high school, while continuing to compete with USA Diving.
I met my diving partner, Kassidy Cook, fairly quickly into my career with USA Diving. We were always going up against each other at the Junior National Championships and became good friends.
Q: What was it like representing your country on such a global stage?
Bacon: Incredible. Earning the first U.S. medal was amazing, and it’s such an honor to wear Team USA. The Olympic pool was beautiful, and the stands were packed, which is rare for diving.
You also get a lot of free stuff— I had three suitcases that I had to send home that each weighed about 75 pounds!
Q: How do you manage the mental aspect of diving, especially with the pressure of performing on the world stage?
Bacon: I used to struggle a lot with it, especially during the 2020 Olympic Trials. After talking to gold medalist diver David Boudia, I learned to block out the pressure and just focus on doing my thing.
Q: Did you have a chance to do any exploring while you were in Paris?
Bacon: Yes, since my individual event was cut short after the preliminary round, I was able to explore the city with my boyfriend and my family. I also went to Nice for a week after the Olympics with Kassidy and another friend for a girl’s trip. It was nice to lay on the beach with a cocktail and relax!
Q: You’re originally from Indiana. What brought you to Mound?
Bacon: I went to college at the University of Minnesota. My boyfriend Nick and I were looking to get out of Minneapolis and move to a suburb. Nick found our house by accident, and we loved that it was so close to the lake. Our neighbors are great too. They were so helpful with picking up the mail and mowing the lawn while we were in Paris.
Q: Outside of diving, what’s something you’re passionate about or enjoy doing to unwind?
Bacon: I’m a sports fanatic. I love playing sports, going to sporting events, and watching sports, especially golf and football.
Q: What’s next for you in your diving career? Are you planning to compete in future Olympic Games or other international competitions?
Bacon: Right now, I’m just enjoying life and doing things that I haven’t been able to do for the last twenty years. At this point, I’m not saying I’m retired or that I’m going to keep diving and training for the 2028 Games.
Q: What advice would you give to young athletes aspiring to reach the Olympic level, particularly in diving?
Bacon: I’ve been through all the ups and downs in the sport, and I’ve been injured more than anyone else I know. There’s always going to be easy and hard days, but you have to keep pushing. The hard days don’t make you a failure— they’re the ones that you learn the most from.
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