Diving
Making its Olympic debut is synchronized diving. Two divers will attempt to execute the same dive in perfect timing. Separate judges will determine execution and synchronization.

Dives are assigned a degree of difficulty and a point value. For example a backward dive would have a higher degree of difficulty than a forward one.

In 1988, Greg Louganis of the United States cracked his head on the springboard requiring stitches. Mark Ruiz is the first American since Louganis to have a shot at winning a medal in both 3-meter and platform.

Judges look at divers' approach, takeoff, height, execution and entry. Bodies must be straight down to their heels for a clean entry into the water with little splash.

Distance from the water is the main variation between the two categories. The springboard is flexible with an adjustable spring. It is three meters above the water. The platform is unbending. It is 10 meters above the water.