Photographs: Pond5 (left); Courtesy of Head and Shoulders (proper)
Whereas his classmates have been busy with toys and recess, David Boudia was already carving out his path to the Olympics. At simply seven years previous, the Texas native watched the opening ceremonies of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Video games and determined that he wished to dive proper in.
However your normal diving platform wouldn’t do for the athlete who was so positive of his dream from early on. As a substitute, he took to nice heights, specializing within the 10-meter dive (the tallest soar within the class). By age 23, he discovered himself competing within the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and by the 2012 London Video games, had earned his first gold and bronze medal.
The 27-year-old, now ranked as the highest 10-meter platform diver within the U.S., took a fast poolside chat with Day by day Burn about his coaching routine, methods for staying motivated, and his partnership with Head & Shoulders for the Shoulders of Greatness marketing campaign.
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Meet Olympic Diver David Boudia
You gained a gold and a bronze medal within the 2012 London Olympics. What do you hope to perform and/or do in a different way in Rio?
Clearly I need to return, do the identical factor and win gold in Rio, however you place that on a shelf as a result of in the end you don’t have management of that. I’ve a technique going into it to not give attention to my rivals or the decide’s scores, however actually specializing in the six dives that I’ve. Hopefully, I come out on prime once more like I did in London.
What’s the greatest psychological problem you’ve confronted to date and the way have you ever overcome it?
The most important psychological problem I’ve confronted is clearly the 10-meter platform. Lots of people don’t know precisely what it’s, however to place it into perspective, it’s 33 toes up within the air. That’s a three-story constructing! You’re going head-first from that peak at 35 miles an hour, and also you’re including within the flipping and the twisting. It’s a very technical sport, and I feel attempting to beat that’s in all probability one of many hardest issues that divers must grasp in the event that they need to compete on an elite stage.
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So how have you ever overcome the worry?
As a result of I’ve been across the block a few instances — this shall be my third time on the Video games — I type of know what the stress shall be like. I feel that’s a bonus I’ve over my different rivals.
Talking of which, you’re partnering with Head & Shoulders on the model’s Shoulders of Greatness marketing campaign. Why is the partnership so necessary to you and what drives you to carry out your finest?
I grew to become an envoy for Head & Shoulders main as much as the Rio video games for a marketing campaign that not too long ago launched referred to as Shoulders of Greatness. In case you requested my spouse, she’d inform you that I’m fairly obsessive about my hair! I’m consistently showering as a result of I’m within the pool on a regular basis, and there’s consistently chlorine on my hair. The very last thing I need is to go to an interview with a facet swoop and have dandruff falling out! I don’t have to fret about that once I use Head & Shoulders.
What sorts of exercises do you do once you’re not on the pool working towards?
I’m extraordinarily athletic, and I feel greater than that aggressive, so I wish to play a variety of completely different sports activities — [whether that’s] basketball or soccer. I don’t wish to play pleasant video games both; I wish to go all out. Pilates and yoga are additionally a giant a part of my coaching routine, in addition to weight lifting.
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Do you ever give your self a time without work?
After all! I feel as a result of I’m an “older athlete,” I’ve to relaxation on weekends. Monday by Friday I’m all sport, after which on the weekends I’m fairly relaxed.
How do you keep motivated to work out and prepare on the times you’d simply fairly not?
Truthfully, I’ve the chance to be lazy if I need to, however as a result of my spouse and little one depend upon me to work onerous, they add the additional motivation. And in the end if I’m not working onerous within the pool or outdoors of the pool, then what’s the purpose of coaching for the Olympics? I need to do all the things that I presumably can to work onerous.
Do you might have any go-to handy meals and snack choices for journey?
Almonds are a type of straightforward issues you’ll be able to pack in your bag. Typically if I’m on quick journeys I carry hummus or peanut butter and a banana. These are the simple go-tos that don’t style horrible — they usually provide you with a great punch of vitamin.
To trace David Boudia’s journey in Rio, observe him on Fb, Twitter, and Instagram. And for updates on all issues Group USA, go to teamusa.org. The Olympics start on August 5, and the diving occasions begin Sunday, August 7.
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