US diver Alison Gibson's mishap at 2024 Paris Olympics results in humiliating zero from judges

PARIS, FRANCE: Team USA diver Alison Gibson narrowly missed suffering a major injury while competing in the preliminary 3-meter springboard diving competition on Tuesday, August 6, at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Gibson's feet smashed into the springboard, sending the spectators in the Aquatics Center into shock as she dropped into the water like a ball and received a score of 0.0.

Alison Gibson receives devastating zero after her feet clash with board in midair

The Team USA diver overestimated her distances during her first dive attempt at the competition's preliminary stage, causing her feet to slam into the springboard while she was in the tuck position. Gibson is now tied with John Blutarsky of Animal House.

Following Gibson's acrobatic fall into the water, the startled French audience became worried for the 25-year-old. Gibson's coach met her as soon as she came out of the water, and they both observed that she received zero points for the dive.

Gibson's first dive was a total bust, earning her a dismal 0.0 from each judge, matching the notorious grade-point average of the John Belushi character in the 1978 comedy, per Daily Mail.

The 25-year-old Texas native was in the correct tuck position on Tuesday when her feet swung into the board, sending her flailing to the water's surface.

Gibson was trying to execute a 2.5 somersault inward dive. She then walked out of the pool area, clearly frustrated, her hands clasped to her face.

The young US diver was fortunate enough to avoid any injuries and carry on competing. She came in at number 27 out of 28 competitors after four dives on Wednesday, August 7.

The Eurosport commentator responded to the scene by saying, per Daily Express, "Oh goodness me! She’s going to be okay because she hit her feet and not her heels. She’s very lucky there, she wouldn’t be able to walk out if she hit her heels."

"This is horrible if they show the replay. So as she as she comes around, she’s very lucky. It’s the toes. If she was a little closer that would have been very, very serious."

However, Gibson persisted and completed her final four dives with all the poise she could manage, but she still came in last, ending her Olympic career.

Alison Gibson reacts to horrible dive that earned her zero point

According to multiple accounts, it was the first dive at the ongoing Paris Olympics to receive a zero score.

Gibson scored 49.50 (back 2.5 somersaults), 68.20 (forward 3.5 somersaults), and 58.50 (reverse 2.5 somersaults) after that depressing dive.

Gibson's dreams of even placing on the podium were dashed by her score of zero, but she overcame her disappointment and determined to finish her round bravely.

Fighting back tears, Gibson told Reuters, "I hit my heels and my feet on the board. I have cuts along the sides. And then I bruised my right heel pretty good, but I was determined to keep going."

She admitted, "I definitely was in pain. But one thing that I say is I hope that anyone who is watching just was able to see what it looks like to get up and keep going even when things don't go the way you want them to. It's about the fight."

"Obviously, today didn't go the way I wanted it to. But I think you can learn and grow from every experience, and I truly hope that the next generation of athletes recognize that even in the worst moments you can keep fighting, you can walk courageously," the US Olympian added.

Olympian fans expressed concern for USA diver Alison Gibson

In response to the horrific diving video, social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their concerns for Gibson as one commented, "Omg. Glad she’s okay and was able to walk out."

A second user added, "Straight 10’s for the cannonball! Glad she came out ok though."

"Oohh, that's not a good moment. Hope she was okay," exclaimed another one.

Another added, "It's the sound of it. Sounded nasty but fortunately she was OK and could walk out."

"So very sad. Hope she's OK," remarked one, while another exclaimed, "Omg..that was scary! Glad she is ok! It could have been so much worse!"

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