Meaghan Benfeito has won a bronze medal, her second of the Rio 2016 Olympics, in women’s 10-metre platform diving. Benfeito won bronze with teammate Roseline Filion in the synchronized competition last week.
China, who dominate the sport of diving, took home gold and silver. Qian Ren easily won gold (score of 439.25), while Yajie Si (419.40) locked up silver with ease.
This is the third Olympic medal of Benfeito’s career, but the first in an individual event. She finished 11th in this competition at London 2012.
“It’s just the relief of all the hard work,” said Benfeito. “These past four years have been really really hard and to come up with two medals at the Games is unbelievable.”
Filion was also in medal contention in this event, sitting fourth – behind Benfeito – after dive #3. It was the fourth dive where Filion faltered, taking her out of contention, earning a disappointing 47.85 score from the judges.
Her first dive was her best, earning a score of 81.60 from the judges, the best of any diver in Round 1.
#CAN Meaghan Benfeito is off to a good start in the women’s 10m platform finals! #Rio2016 https://t.co/EH4TZ0afzZ https://t.co/GcJQk1kPRF
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) August 18, 2016
From there, the 27-year-old from Montreal was consistent, putting up scores of 78.00, 79.20, and 76.80 in the middle rounds.
She held a 10.5 point lead heading into the final round and needed to be good, not great, to secure a medal. She was, earning a score of 73.60 to easily fend off Paola Espinosa of Mexico and Melissa Wu of Australia.
#CAN Meaghan Benfeito entered the final round in 3rd. Will it be enough? #Diving #Rio2016 https://t.co/EH4TZ0afzZ https://t.co/1iFrNkhLjj
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) August 18, 2016
Benfeito was emotional, hugging her coaches and teammate, Filion, upon realizing her spot on the podium was secure.
#CAN Meaghan Benfeito receives her #Bronze medal. Watch the podium ceremony NOW. #Rio2016 https://t.co/EH4TZ0afzZ https://t.co/kgLgMQoeYh
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) August 18, 2016
Benfeito joins swimmers Penny Oleksiak and Taylor Ruck as other multiple medal winners from Canada in these Olympics. Sprinter Andre De Grasse will have an opportunity to join the club tonight in the men’s 200 m final.