SYDNEY, Australia: Melissa Wu achieved a historic milestone on Monday by becoming the first Australian diver to be selected for five Olympic Games, joining an elite global group of divers to have accomplished this feat. The 32-year-old’s illustrious career includes winning a silver medal in the 10m synchro at her debut in the 2008 Beijing Games and a bronze in Tokyo three years ago. In Paris, she will compete in the 10m individual platform.
“It’s a pretty incredible thing to achieve five Olympic teams,” Wu remarked. “Having made the team now, I can look back on achieving something pretty special. I’ve had a few injuries the past few years and my diving hasn’t been the best, but now I feel like I’m finally getting back into form.”
Only a handful of other divers have competed at five Olympics. Wu will be joined by Britain’s Tom Daley in Paris, who will match her achievement. Japan’s Ken Terauchi holds the record for the most Olympic appearances by a diver, having competed in six Games.
The Australian team for Paris also includes world champion Cassiel Rousseau, who will compete in both the individual and synchro 10m events. Rousseau’s victory in the 10m platform at last year’s world championships in Japan was particularly notable as he denied China a clean sweep of all 13 gold medals. The 23-year-old has a strong personal connection to France; his grandfather, Michel Rousseau, won gold for France in track cycling at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, and his mother grew up in Paris.
“In terms of our family history it’s massive, I just love Paris,” Rousseau said. “Being a world champion hasn’t changed my mindset on how I compete or how I see my competitors. I just want to gain more experience as I’m still relatively new to the sport.”
The Australian diving team for Paris also includes Anabelle Smith, who will be making her fourth Olympic appearance. Smith won a bronze medal in the 3m synchro at the 2016 Rio Games alongside Maddi Keeney, who is also part of the Paris line-up.
Wu’s selection and the presence of other accomplished divers like Rousseau and Smith highlight the strength and depth of the Australian diving team as they prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The blend of experienced athletes and rising stars positions Australia well for success on the world stage.
