Federation: FINA
First Played: 20th century
Team Members: 1 or 2
Equipment: Swimsuit, Goggles, Cap
Field: Indoor
Olympic Participation: 1904
Description:
Diving is a sport in which athletes dive from a certain height, performing aesthetic movements in the air, and aim to enter the water vertically. Typically performed headfirst, divers also execute various gymnastics and acrobatic moves during the dive.
History:
Until the 19th century, diving primarily involved straightforward dives. Somersaults, twists, or reverse dives were unknown. Later, with the influence of acrobats performing at fairs, a variety of interesting diving styles emerged. By the early 1900s, diving became a sport that combined gymnastics and swimming. Diving was included in the Olympic program for the first time in 1904, and today, competitions are held in two categories. Women have competed in platform diving at the Olympics since 1912, and in springboard diving since 1920. Since 2000, synchronized (pairs) diving has been included in both categories.
Field Dimensions:
Diving Types:
Springboard Diving: In competitions, springboard diving is performed from a fixed platform 5 or 10 meters above the water surface, or from a flexible springboard 1 or 3 meters high. In the Olympic Games, only 10-meter platforms and 3-meter springboards are used. Judges score each dive based on criteria such as takeoff, body position in the air, execution of the prescribed movements, and entry into the water. Scores are summed and multiplied by the difficulty rating of the dive. After 11 dives, the athlete with the highest total score wins. Men perform 11 dives (5 required, 6 optional), while women perform 10 dives (5 required, 5 optional).
Platform Diving: Unlike springboard diving, the platform used for platform diving is rigid and does not flex, with a height of 10 meters above the water. Athletes perform 10 evaluated dives, just like in springboard diving. Dives are classified into five groups, and handstand dives from the platform are also performed. In the first group, the diver stands facing the water, takes off from the board or platform, and performs a half or full somersault into the water. In the second group, the diver takes off backward and performs reverse somersaults in the air before entering the water. In the third group, the diver jumps while facing the water, turns in the air, and enters the water facing the springboard. In the fourth group, the diver jumps facing the water and, after turning in the air, again enters the water facing the springboard. In the fifth group, the diver performs twists while simultaneously executing other moves like a forward somersault with a half-twist.
