Olympic diver Alison Gibson

Alison Gibson, a 25-year-old diver representing Team USA, faced a heartbreaking moment during the women's 3m springboard event at the Paris Olympics when her first attempt resulted in a score of 0.0 after her feet struck the diving board mid-dive. Despite sustaining injuries, including bruised heels and cuts, Gibson completed her remaining dives, ultimately finishing last out of 28 competitors. In a poignant Substack post, she expressed her struggle with the emotional aftermath, questioning her journey and faith but also emphasizing her desire to inspire others through perseverance. Gibson, who previously retired and returned to the sport, reflected on how her worth isn't defined by this one moment of failure. Despite the setback, she remains focused on future competitions, including the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and hopes to use her experience to motivate others facing challenges. Her resilience is a testament to her dedication to the sport and her commitment to making a positive impact beyond diving.