Mixed emotions as Houlden happy but Laugher 'devastated' after final in Paris

Jordan Houlden and Jack Laugher experienced mixed emotions after the Men’s 3m Springboard final at Paris 2024.

Houlden wore a broad smile after bagging fifth spot in his first final at his first Olympics, thanks to a string of consistent dives.

For Laugher, however, it was a frustrating experience as he was unable to add to the bronze he claimed in the 3m synchronised final – the fourth Olympic medal of his illustrious career.

The 29-year-old finished in seventh spot after a below-average performance by his impeccably high standards.

Laugher had looked to be on course to add to his medal collection when he occupied fourth spot after the second round but a poorly executed third round dive put the skids under his podium hopes.

A disappointing second round dive from Houlden left him down in ninth but he regained his composure to climb back up the standings.

China’s divers remain firmly on course to claim a clean sweep of diving medals after Xie Siyi defended the 3m Springboard title, finishing almost 13 points clear of his fellow countryman Wang Zongyuan.

Mexican 20-year-old Osmar Olvera Ibarra underlined his enormous potential by securing the bronze ahead of Carson Tyler of the US.

Houlden finished with a points tally of 427.75, whilst Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Laugher accrued 410.95 on a difficult afternoon for the North Yorkshireman.

Fifth at the Olympics is not too bad

Houlden said: “It’s great to finish fifth and be in a final as well – that’s what my main aim was, to get in a final and I did it. I came in here with guns blazing; I got a little bit nervous and a little bit fidgety, but I think I did ok.

“I know I can do a lot better in there. There are some dives that could have been a lot sharper and cleaner on the end as well but I’m still happy with fifth. Fifth at the Olympics is not too bad.”

Houlden’s emotions contrasted with those of Laugher who admitted: “I think I let today get the better of me.

“All week after the synchro I was taking everything as it came – I didn’t really mind what the result was going to be and that gave me a bit of freedom as I competed.

“Today I had excellent training, and I think I just got a little too far ahead of myself in terms of the emotion.

“The crowd noise was absolutely phenomenal today and following Osmar (Olvera Ibarra), who is such a wonderful diver with such massive support, I didn’t expect that to affect me the way it did.

“But I’m really proud of this Olympics. I’m proud of myself and with four Olympic medals it’s hard to be sad, but right now obviously I’m devastated.

“Every time I dive I’m trying to stick to my own routine but I let emotion get the better of me. It wasn’t pressure, it wasn’t nerves – I had so much adrenaline coursing through me and I think you could see that after my first two as they were a little nervy and not quite as good as they usually are.

“I got the best start I think I’ve ever got on that third dive but I went coursing over and I’m glad there’s no underwater microphones because I said some horrible things under there.

“It was really difficult but I’ve got to pass the baton on at some point – I’m getting towards 30 and he (Jordan) is just 20-years-old, he’s a fantastic athlete and I’m just honoured to be in amongst such amazing people and athletes.”