Springboard, Women

This was expected to be a battle between the American and Chinese women, but Canada’s Sylvie Bernier had other ideas. She had been only third at the 1983 Pan American Games and FINA Cup, but came through in Los Angeles to win the gold medal, taking the lead on her third dive of the final round, a reverse pike, and never relinquishing it.

American Kelly McCormick, the 1983 Pan American champion and the daughter of Pat McCormick, winner of the double-double in 1952-56, came through for the silver medal. The bronze went to 1982 World Championship runner-up Christina Seufert of the United States. The 1982 World Champion in the event had been American Megan Neyer, but diving in 1984 was limited to only two divers per nation, and Neyer placed third at the US Trials. The Chinese divers, Li Yuhua and Li Qiaoxian placed fourth and fifth.