Olympic diving trials return to Indy

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — For 100 of America’s best, the pandemic-delayed quest to make it to the Tokyo Olympics has finally arrived as the U.S. Olympic Diving Trials are underway at the IU Natatorium at IUPUI. With 135 medals collected over the years, American divers hope to continue their Olympic prominence next month in Tokyo and team will be chosen as the trials continue through the week. USA Diving President Lee Michaud says the organization is excited not only for the trials, but simply to get back to competition.

In an interview with Inside INdiana Sports host Bill Benner, Michaud said USA Diving has worked with public health officials to bring fans to the trials as well.

“We were concerned at one point there wouldn’t be any spectators at all,” Michaud said. “So, to get 700 folks in the house, and I promise all the athletes to dive in front of a crowd, it is really thrilling for us.”

Michaud says the USA Diving team is strong this year and includes several Indiana connections, including four-time gold medalist David Boudia from Noblesville, as well as Indy natives Steele Johnson and Sarah Bacon, and Indiana University alum Michael Hixon.

Michaud says the health and safety protocols are front of mind for USA Diving as the trip to Tokyo nears.

“We were the test event. So, recently, our World Cup was in Japan and it doubled as a qualifier. So, we secured Olympic spots at the World Cup event and we had the practice of what their protocols are. So, our coaches, our athletes, our medical staff have all been through that in the last month. We’re going to continue with that exact same protocol here in Indianapolis so that we can carry it forward when we go back to Japan here in about six weeks.”

The trials will take place at various times throughout the week. You can view the full schedule by clicking here.