Tokyo Olympic diver Brandon Loschiavo is headed to his second Summer Games in Paris after a last-minute withdrawal opened up a 10-meter quota spot for the former NCAA champion from Purdue.
Loschiavo earned the U.S. one quota spot courtesy of his 8th-place finish in the 10-meter event at the 2024 World Championships in February. But at last month’s Olympic Trials in Knoxville, the 27-year-old California native placed 2nd with 892.3 points behind Carson Tyler (965.45).
USA Diving officials said it wasn’t until Thursday night — only a day before the opening ceremony — that World Aquatics informed them of the additional quota spot due to the withdrawal of a confirmed athlete. SwimSwam reached out to World Aquatics inquiring about the identity of the athlete who withdrew, but has not received a response as of publishing. A maximum of 136 divers are permitted to compete in Paris.
“Proud and honored to represent Team USA one more time at the Olympic Games,” Loschiavo wrote on Instagram. “Some thoughts since I’ve gotten both news of not making it and now making it: For the people who achieve it or not, the path of putting it all on the line is the true reward. The truth is… it’s not about the pursuit of happiness, it’s the happiness pursuit. Goals, medals, teams come and go, but the pursuit of greatness will be with you forever. Having the privilege to go out and fight for something you love is the true gold. Here’s to the ones who dream.”
Fortunately for Loschiavo, he’s got a couple weeks to prepare mentally for this change of plans. Swimming at the Paris Olympics started today, but the 10-meter diving competition doesn’t begin until Aug. 9. Loschiavo placed 11th on the platform at the pandemic-postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
