VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Olympic Diver Andrew Capobianco Sets Sights On Gold In Paris

U.S. Olympic diver Andrew Capobianco is aiming for gold at the 2024 Paris Games, building on the confidence gained from his silver medal performance in Tokyo.

Capobianco, 24, secured a silver medal in the men’s synchronized 3-meter springboard with partner Michael Hixon at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The achievement marked a significant milestone in his career and boosted his self-assurance.

“It was an awesome achievement,” Capobianco said. “Something that I worked for my entire life, and for me, it just helped build confidence.”

The Indiana University alumnus credits his Olympic success with improving his individual diving performances. “When I was younger, I was more known as a synchro diver,” he explained. “After that, I became a little more of a better individual diver because of that confidence that I was now possessing.”

Capobianco’s rigorous training regimen includes morning and afternoon diving sessions, weightlifting, Pilates and recovery activities. He also coaches junior divers in the evenings, balancing his roles as an athlete and mentor.

Looking ahead to Paris, Capobianco draws inspiration from his Chinese competitors, particularly their consistency and work ethic. “I feel confident in myself to know that if I’m at my best, I’m pretty much at that same level,” he said. “But they’re just so consistent, and the hours of training that they put in is super inspiring.”

The American diver aims to challenge China’s dominance in the sport. “Hopefully getting a little closer next time would be the goal,” Capobianco stated, referring to his aspirations for the Paris Olympics.

A gold medal in Paris would be groundbreaking for Capobianco and U.S. diving. Following in the footsteps of David Boudia, who won gold in the 10-meter platform at the 2012 London Games, Capobianco hopes to inspire the next generation of divers worldwide.

“Being able to show not only the young divers in the U.S. but young divers around the world that regardless of where you’re coming from, you’re able to make it to the top of our sport would be really cool,” he said.

Capobianco’s journey in diving began at a young age in Wantagh, New York. He made his international debut at the 2018 FINA Diving World Cup and has since become a prominent figure in U.S. diving, collecting multiple NCAA titles during his collegiate career at Indiana University.

As the Paris Olympics approach, Capobianco remains focused on his ultimate goal: “For me individually, especially trying to get on the podium would be really great. In synchro, trying to vie for that gold medal, to get a little bit higher than we did last time, would be good.”