Up to 10 points are awarded per dive, according to the divers' elegance and skill. Points are then adjusted according to the degree of difficulty, based on the number and types of manoeuvres attempted, such as somersaults, pikes, tucks and twists. A formidable diving force, the United States has won 125 of the 225 medals awarded in Olympic diving, including 46 of the 75 gold medals. Greg Louganis, renowned as the best diver in the history of the sport, won gold in the men s springboard and platform in 1984. He repeated that accomplishment in 1988 despite sporting stitches needed to close a nasty gash after he hit his head during a springboard dive.
Chinese divers are now the ones to watch.
China won gold in three of the four diving events in 1996 at Atlanta and will likely dominate again at Sydney. Diving attracts more spectators in China than any other activity. Canada will also present strong competition in Sydney, particularly in the women s individual and synchronized events.