Geeks on Sports: London Olympics 2012 – Diving

Event Dates: Sunday July 29 – Saturday August 11

Medal Events: 8

Athletes: 136 (68 men / 68 women)

 

Geeks on Sports previewer Tim Blacksmith here today to tell you all about Diving, a sport where landing a belly-flop gets you no points and is clearly a sport not meant for fun people.

 

As Olympic sports go Diving is one of the ones I really get up for; it’s inexplicable really.  When considering some of the heart-pumping excitement riddled sports involved in the Olympics, like Equestrian Dessage (insert link), it’s hard to imagine Diving comparing.

 

But it does!

 

Courtesy of Getty Images

 

Men and Women stand on a platform or springboard meters (a measurement of distance not usually used by us Silly Americans) above a vast and glorious pool.  Their goal is to leap off their respective location, perform acrobatic twists, spins, somersaults, tucks, rolls, flash a gang sign now and again, and serenely flow into the water with as little splash as possible.

 

 

Much the same as with gymnastics(insert link) the littlest of imperfections can completely ruin a diver’s chances of medaling in the event.  I guess that’s what makes it exciting.  Akin to watching NASCAR in hopes of seeing a fiery crash I am always hoping to see someone just lose it in mid-air, completely open up and just flop straight into the pool.

 

Courtesy of Getty Images

 

Some of the diving events like Synchronized Platform and Synchronized Springboard can be incredibly beautiful to watch the precision of the best athletes in the world displaying their craft.

 

The fun side of it is, for both the guys and ladies out there, divers (like swimmers) have impressive bodies and there’s plenty of eye-candy to behold.  Get out the binoculars…even for the big screen; you’re not going to want to miss this one.

 

To see where to watch this or your other favorite sports, check out NBC’s coverage in your local area.

 

I hope you have enjoyed this preview of the 2012 London Olympics Diving event.  Continue to check 8DaysAGeek for more previews of Olympic events.

 

 

This is Geeks on Sports previewer Tim Blacksmith signing off.

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