Let me clarify – Olympic Diving Devils. McCrory, junior from Chapel Hill studying mathematics, and Johnston, senior from Ohio studying Psychology, not only represented the United States at this summer’s Olympics in London, but also sported Duke pride. This dynamic duo earned the first U.S. diving medals since 2000 when Johnston and her partner, Kelci Bryant, won the silver medal in the women’s synchronized 3-meter springboard event. McCrory and his diving partner, David Boudia, brought home the bronze the following day in the men’s synchronized 10-meter platform competition.
They not only broke this dry spell, but will also be remembered and respected as the first ever Americans to nab medals for the U.S. in synchronized diving. I get to be remembered as the student who featured them in Her Campus Duke, but hey I’ll take it. As someone who is terrified at even the thought of merely jumping off a 10 feet platform, I couldn’t help but keep my jaw from dropping as I watched the beauty and grace of these divers from the comfort of my couch (I’m sure I’m not alone with that one). Luckily, I was able to get a better insight into these cool kids’ heads.
What was running through your head when you were on the podium?
NM: Being on the podium and receiving my medal was one of the most special moments of my life. I was so happy and proud, and at that point it didn’t even seem real yet. Being on the podium was something that I’d dreamed about for so long.
What was your favorite aspect of Olympic Village?
AJ: People watching. You can see a seven-foot basketball player standing next to a five-foot gymnast. It’s also incredible how friendly everyone is and it was great to get to know people from all over the world. And the 24-hour free McDonald’s was delicious.
What was your preparation schedule like? How often did you practice/train?
AJ: I trained 5-6 days a week for about 4-5 hours a day. In addition to being in the pool, I lift weights, do Bikram yoga, and train at the diving gym.
NM: My preparation schedule leading up to the Olympics was very difficult. It involved a lot of international competitions throughout the spring. I went to Dubai, Beijing, London, Mexico and Russia all within 3 months for competitions! When I wasn’t competing, I was at home training. I typically train about 4 hours a day and I incorporate many forms of exercise into my regimen such as dry land training, Pilates, and weightlifting, on top of my actual diving.
How did it feel to represent the USA?
AJ: I was so proud to represent the US on an international scale. I had breakfast with Michelle Obama while I was in London and she spoke to us about inspiring children and people back home with our performances. Talking to her made me realize the impact that the Olympics can have on bringing a country together.
(oh my god, so cool)
NM: It is such an honor to be representing the United States. The Olympics is the pinnacle of my sport and it has been my life long goal to be there for the US. It really made me proud to be wearing our colors and have USA on all of my clothes at all times there and made me want to do my best even more.
Did you meet any really famous people or idols?
AJ: I wanted to meet Lebron James and then I randomly ran into him in the village and about had a heart attack because I was so excited.
What were you thinking about when you walked up to the diving platform?
NM: When you’re on the platform getting ready to dive in competition, the whole pool is silent. You can feel everyone watching you and waiting. To really preform at your best you need to realize that the crowd is irrelevant. All that matters are you and the platform and all you need to do is a dive that you’ve practice hundreds of times.
AJ: Right before I walk down the board, I take a deep breath and say to myself “relax.” As I was being introduced prior to the competition starting and I heard them announced “Representing the United States, Abby Johnston and Kelci Bryant,” I was thinking to myself how long I had dreamed of this moment.
What was it like diving with your partners after/before competing against them?
AJ: I always hated competing against Kelci because she is such a cutthroat competitor but that also makes her a very appealing synchro partner. She’s become one of my closest friends and it’s amazing to think back on all the accomplishments we’ve had together.
NM: David and I have a great partnership. We really enjoy doing syncro together and we had a lot of fun in London. When we get into a competition, neither one of us wants to miss our dive and let the other down, so that little bit of pressure helps us dive better. We’re very competitive people, so it is always interesting when you put us in an event together. He’s an incredible diver and I can count on him to put down phenomenal dives consistently, so it really makes me have to dive well!
What else do you like to do besides dive?
AJ: I love hanging out with my friends, teammates, and sorority sisters. The day after I got back from London, my roommates and I went to Elmo’s for breakfast, lay out, worked out, watched TV, and went shopping. It was basically a perfect way to relax and feel like a normal 22-year old girl. I’m really looking forward to starting school again and being more involved with groups on campus.
NM: Besides diving, I do all the things normal kids my age do. I hang out with friends, watch movies, and play video games. When I go back to school this year, I’ll have to fit homework in there somewhere.
So don’t be surprised when you see these champs walking across the quad – they may be Olympians to the world, but they still bleed blue!