Synchronization requires extensive training time for a diving duo, but that is something Delaney Schnell and Jessica Parratto didn’t have.
Somehow they still managed to claim silver medals in Tokyo while setting new standards for American women.
The diving pair took silver in the women’s synchronized 10-meter platform, becoming the first U.S. women to medal in the event since its Olympic debut in 2000.
Schnell and Parratto only joined up 10 days before trials after Schnell’s original partner pulled out with an injury.
Performing like long-time teammates, Schnell and Parratto stayed near the top of the leaderboard with strong early dives. And they saved their best performance of the afternoon for last, executing a back two and a half somersaults one and a half twists pike that ranked second in the round.
The silver medal was Parratto’s first podium at the Olympic Games. She was the NCAA champion in 10-meter diving in 2015 for IU. At the Rio 2016 Olympic Games she finished 10th (individual 10-meter) and 7th (synchronized 10-meter).
Parratto is the sixth former IU athlete to win a medal in Tokyo, joining Blake Pieroni (gold), Zach Apple (gold), Andrew Capobianco (silver), Mike Hixon (silver), and Lilly King (bronze).
IU athletes have now won a total of 110 medals at the Olympic Games all-time.
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