BUENOS AIRES, Argentina- Team USA’s Bridget O’Neil (Southlake, Texas) and Jack Matthews (Powell, Ohio) paired up together for the mixed international team event Wednesday evening to finish 13th at the Summer Youth Olympics Games 2018 Buenos Aires on the final day of diving competition. Team China /Columbia claimed the gold medal with 391.95 points, while Team Germany/China placed 1.85 points behind at second. Team Ukraine/Russia earned the bronze medal with 371.15 points.
In the mixed international team event, divers from the men’s platform are paired with competitors from the women’s 3-meter based on their performances. Pairings are determined by results, as Matthews placed 10th and O’Neil finished third, a coincidence for the American teammates. Each diver is required to perform three dives, with at least one dive from the 3-meter and one from the 10-meter. In addition, each diver must perform one dive with an assigned degree of difficulty of 2.0, as well as two dives with no degree of difficulty limit. All six groups of dives must be performed by the team.
The pair amassed 263.70 points through three rounds, with Matthews diving strong for the team. Matthews dove a back dive from the 3-meter for 43.00 points. On 10-meter, Matthews performed a forward armstand with 2 somersaults and 1 twist for 65.10 points and a back 2 ½ somersaults with 1 ½ twists for 52.80 points. O’Neil added a forward 1 ½ pike from the 10-meter for 37.00 points, and then dove twice from the 3-meter springboard with a reverse 2 ½ tuck and an inward 2 ½ pike for 23.80 points and 42.00 points, respectively.
“Obviously today’s turnout was not the way we wanted to end our competition,” coach Mandy Eby said. “Overall it has been a fantastic experience for all of us.”
The Summer Youth Olympic Games 2018 Buenos Aires will conclude Thursday, Oct. 18., at 7 p.m. ET with the Closing Ceremony inside the Youth Olympic Village. The Closing Ceremony can be watched live on the Olympic Channel or on live stream.
