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Aug 2024
Ripon’s Jack Laugher ‘devastated’ after missing Olympic medal
Ripon diver Jack Laugher, 29, finished seventh in the men’s three-metre springboard event at the Paris Olympics.
Laugher is Britain's most successful diver ever. He won gold and silver in 2016, bronze in 2021 and bronze in the three-metre synchronised sprinboard event last week.
But the ex-Ripon Grammar student missed out on what would have been his fifth Olympic medal after a disappointing third dive left him too much to do.
His third dive, which scored 35.70 points, saw him drop from fourth to eighth. Laugher eventually placed seventh while teammate Jordan Houlden finished fifth.
China took gold and silver and Mexico claimed the bronze medal.
Speaking to the BBC following the event, Laugher said:
I think that I’ve done myself really proud. Obviously the dream was to get two medals but it’s not to be and I’ll try and learn from this and move forward, but right now I’m really sad.
I think I just let today get the better of me, I got a little bit too far ahead of myself. I’m really proud of this Olympics and I’m proud of myself. Four Olympic medals - its hard to be sad, but right now in this moment, obviously I’m devastated.
Jack Laugher (left) and Anthony Harding win bronze at the Paris games. Photo: Team GB
He added:
I’ve got to pass the baton on at some point. I’m getting towards 30 and honestly, I’m just honoured to be amongst such amazing athletes.
The legacy we’re going to leave behind is absolutely wonderful. If we can inspire the team and the next generation then that’s my job done.
In recognition of his achievements, Harrogate Borough Council renamed Ripon’s leisure centre the Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre in 2022.
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