29th January, 1960, Greg Louganis, one of the finest divers in the world, was born in San Diego, California and was adopted as an infant.
He was initiated into acrobatics and dancing early in his life, which actually laid the foundation of his soon to be unearthed diving skills. At the age of 16, Greg Louganis won the silver medal at the Montreal Olympics in the Platform event and from there on dominated the various Diving Competitions across the world.
He was the favourite to win the Gold medal at the Moscow Olympics in 1980, but as fate would have it, the Americans boycotted the event. However, he kept on improving and was the first diver ever to get a perfect 10 from all judges at the 1982 World Acquatic Championships in Ecuador. Finally Greg Louganis had his chance at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics , and he certainly did not disappoint. He won the Gold medal in the 3m Springboard and the 10m Platform events, true to his billing.
Seoul Olympic Games in 1988, was another test for Greg Louganis. He was ageing and there was immense threat from the much younger Chinese divers. To make matters worse an incident occurred during the 3m Springboard event, which is the reason I am writing this blog.
Greg Louganis took off from the 3m Springboard into his somersault. An error of judgement, ever so slightly, while completing the dive occurred, resulting in Louganis striking the back of his head against the diving board. The spectators and the US contingent had their hearts in their mouth. An injury to the back of the head so fierce, had left everyone worried. Whether Louganis could compete further was the question on everyone’s mind.
However, Greg Louganis had other ideas, he had no questions bothering him, he had to compete and leaving the event due to the injury was never an option for him. After several stitches to the head and a quick repair job, Greg Louganis was back on the springboard and gave a performance of a life time. Against all odds he went on to win the Gold medal in the Springboard event. The whole world was stunned by this effort of his. If this was not enough, Greg Louganis went on to win the Gold medal in the 10m Platform event as well, a few days later. Unbelievable!! I still remember being so inspired by this event and determined like Louganis to do well in my boards the next year.
With this feat of his, he went on to become the only man to have won Gold medals in both the 3m Springboard and the 10m Platform events in two consecutive Olympic Games. The steely determination and the missionary zeal of Greg Louganis needs to be saluted. He was not only a graceful diver but also a fierce competitor who had an uncompromising will to win. As they say, Greg Louganis always found a way.
I am trying to find my way too.