Paris 2024: Osmar Olvera advances to the Springboard Diving Semifinal

The Mexican diver secured his spot after finishing in fifth place in the elimination round, Kevin Muñoz stayed in 19th place

Mexican diver Osmar Olvera advanced to the 3-meter individual springboard diving semifinal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games after finishing fifth during the elimination round, while Kevin Muñoz failed to qualify after finishing 19th.

Osmar Olvera once again demonstrated his quality and talent in the elimination round by achieving the highest score together with the British Jack Laugher – above the executions of the Chinese – with a 96.90 that provoked a celebration at the Aquatic Center.

Osmar Olvera’s competition was irregular, going from less to more, after a bad start that resulted in low scores. Osmar Olvera opened his competition with a score of 62.90, when he came out of the water the face of the capital native showed discomfort after his jump.

Osmar Olvera finished in fifth place and advanced to the Springboard Semifinals. Clive Rose/Getty Images

“I know that there are dives that I clearly know I can do much better, in the end it is the preliminary round, you have to go step by step,” said Osmar Olvera at the end of the qualifying round. “I already spoke with him.” [la entrenadora] Ma Jin, I know what I need to change to make them the way I like them. He said, ‘Relax, enjoy it.'”

However, Osmar Olvera’s finish was strong and he managed to climb to fifth position with a total score of 444.15, only below the Chinese and the British.

“I like to depend more on myself. I have always liked the individual more. It is not a mystery. I feel comfortable and happy,” he said. “No [aumenta la presión de ser el único mexicano en Semifinales]I am calm and focused. I hope that it will help Kevin improve in the future. He knows that he is a great diver and can be better, and that it will help him to be more motivated.

“Being an Olympic medallist gives me a certain peace of mind and confidence when I’m on the diving board. I’m calm. The competition with the two Chinese and the two British is going to be good.”

Kevin’s scores were low and he did not achieve his goal. He finished his participation with 362.05 and will be a reserve in case of injury. His place was taken by Jonathan Ruvalcaba, also Mexican, but representing the Dominican Republic, who finished 18th.

“Talent without discipline is useless. And for a long time, perhaps at the beginning of my career, at the beginning of the cycle, I lacked discipline. It is wise to recognize that. And I take that with me,” said Kevin Muñoz. “Discipline is everything and you should not be complacent. I am not saying that I was really complacent, but at some point I wanted to feel comfortable with my talent and leave discipline aside.”

When will Osmar Olvera compete again in Paris 2024?

Osmar Olvera will return to the diving board for the Semifinal on Wednesday, August 7 at 10:00 a.m. local time, 2:00 a.m. Central Mexico time and 4:00 a.m. Eastern Mexico time.