American diver Alison Gibson is keeping her head held high even as it feels like “the world is trying to tear me down” following a crushing performance Wednesday at the 2024 Olympics, where she collided with a springboard and earned a score of 0.0.
In an emotional post shared Thursday on Substack , Gibson – who, upon launching into her first dive during the preliminary round of the women’s 3m springboard, made contact with the board, resulting in a non-dive and zero points — reflected on Wednesday’s events, which she called, “one of the most painful experiences of my life.”
“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,” Gibson wrote.
Alison Gibson of United States collides into the springboard with her feet while in a tucked position in her first dive in the women’s 3m springboard event at the Paris Games on Aug. 7, 2024. REUTERS
Alison Gibson of Team United States reacts after competing in the women’s 3m springboard preliminaries. Getty Images
“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, who sustained cuts and bruises following her initial dive and later posted an Instagram Story with a walking boot, ultimately completed the competition, hoping to inspire others with her perseverance through challenging setbacks.
“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,” she continued on Substack.
Allison Gibson performs during the women’s 3m springboard event at the 2024 Olympics. Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Sports She posted a photo with a walking boot on a since-expired Instagram Story. Instagram
“… 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.”
Gibson, a champion of Missions of Hope International who made it her Olympic mission to help gain sponsors for children in Kenya, added Thursday she’s grateful “to be surrounded by an amazing community of people who have held me and reminded me of my value and worth.”
Alison Gibson in June 2024. Jay Janner/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
“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,” she concluded on her Substack.
“Together, we can persevere. Together, we can overcome our fears. Together, we can shine a light on our shameful moments and recognize that they don’t have power over us. Together, we can become stronger.”
Gibson made her Olympics debut at the Tokyo Games three years ago, playing eighth in the synchronized springboard event.
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