PARIS, France — It was just after 4 a.m. Minnesota time when Team USA claimed its first medal of the 2024 Olympics, thanks in part to a former diver from the University of Minnesota.
Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook won silver on Saturday in the women's synchronized 3-meter springboard diving final.
"No emotions right now," Bacon said in an interview after the event. "I'm so in shock and ecstatic, especially to be standing here next to Kassidy, doing it with her and my coach, Wenbo Chen. It just - it feels unbelievable."
After five dives, the pair finished with a score of 314.64 points, while China's Yani Chang and Yiwen Chen landed a gold medal with a final score of 337.68 points. Great Britain's Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen won the bronze with a score of 302.28 points.
It's the first Olympic medal for both Cook and Bacon. It's also the first American medal in the event since 2012.
The University of Minnesota media service said Bacon is tied for the most NCAA titles of any athlete in any sport. Her accolades are numerous, including being a 10-time All-American, four-time Big Ten champion, three-time All-Big Ten First Team, two-time Big Ten Diver of the Year, two-time Big Ten Diver of the Championships and 2018 NCAA Co-Diver of the Championships.
A two-time NCAA champion and world silver medalist on the 1-meter board, Bacon won the 3-meter synchro event with Kassidy Cook at U.S. winter nationals in December. The Bacon-Cook tandem won gold at two international meets earlier this year.
Bacon will compete in the 3m individual springboard beginning August 7th at 8 a.m.
WATCH FROM NBC OLYMPICS: Team USA wins silver in Women's 3m Springboard Synchro Diving: