Source: CCTV.com

04-09-2008 10:03

Early in the 20th century, what was called "fancy diving" entered the Olympic Games as a new event. "Fancy diving" is today what we call, simply, "diving". In fact, if you compare the diving program from the 1924 Summer Olympics, you'll find that the current Olympic program in diving differs very little, whether it be springboard diving or platform diving. One recent change has been the introduction of synchronised diving, or diving in pairs. These events were first included in the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, Australia. The traditional men's and women's 10-metre platform and three-metre springboard diving events are now repeated for the synchronised event. So, instead of just judging individual dives, the judges also reward points for how well two divers have synchronisation their movements. Modern television technology allows viewers to follow both divers down, giving an excellent view of the level of synchronization.

Diving developed in Europe in the 17th century, when gymnasts began practicing their acrobatics over water. In modern diving, platform divers can hit the water at about 55 km/h. So the diving eventrs combining artistry and athleticism with undeniable courage. It's no wonder that diving ranks among the Olympic Games' most exhilarating events.

 

Editor:Liu Fang