Matthew Mitcham on winning Diving gold at Beijing 2008

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Australian diver Matthew Mitcham talks us through his journey to becoming Olympic champion.
Matthew Mitcham discusses his performance in the final of the 10m Platform Diving competition at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, where he received the highest single-dive score in Olympic history.
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[@Daisjun]

To put this in a bit more perspective, Mitcham scored 106.40 in the semis. This was also the highest single dive score in Olympic history. In order to take the gold he needed 107.30 on his final dive. Completely unprecedented. He ended up with 112.10, not only beating his PB but completely smashing the record. Zhou certainly helped by completely fluffing his dive, but Mitcham still needed to execute a near perfect dive to take the gold. He did so and became only the second Australian male to win an Olympic diving Gold, the first since 1924. Amazing stuff.

[@SubtitledArabicSongs]

Wow that is surprising. Australia is a big nation, did not know they've only got two medals. A quick google tells me Ausralia has 152 medals which I doubt they accumulated in the past 2 Olympics, maybe you mean second diver to get a medal?

[@Daisjun]

Maybe re-read what I wrote?

[@odonata9838]

Textbook perfection. I grew up worshipping at the temple of Greg Louganis. Watching Mitcham reminded me that greatness comes along in every generation.

[@keletube951]

Quixotisims He meant second gold medal 🥇 for this sport :)

[@CovidConQuitTheCensorship]

Wow. Incredible achievement. Thank you for that information

[@jia7689]

One of the most underrated moments of the decade

[@1231legomaniac]

agreed

[@billyb9067]

I’ve been watching this for years and tear up every time. Thank you Matt ❤️

[@dyllangavinsucks]

@@billyb9067 This video definitely is a light at the end of a tunnel for me. For a very long time, I have let my emotions get in the way of my journeys to success.

[@MrBen51309]

His win denied a complete Chinese sweep of the diving events in 2008.

[@RaymondHng]

Yep.

[@glumpink4106]

yep :') As an australian-chinese, I was very happy either way haha

[@stregapez5498]

"And well, that was a pretty 'shmick' dive." Only Aussies, only Aussies.

[@justkiddingitsmehillary8836]

lil v mhm

[@giveawaycentral730]

sizzyh yea boi

[@benbrennan4953]

Struth

[@angelanguyen3372]

I know nothing about diving and how they get scores, but that last dive was amazing the entry was perfect, there was practically no splash.

[@billyb9067]

Angela Nguyen it’s judged by seven judges scoring from 0, .5, to 10 points. The top two and lowest two scores are taken out and the middle three scores are added up and multiplied by the degree of difficulty. I believe he gotten four 10s and three 9.5s. So the three middle scores would be 10,10, 9.5.. which equals 29.5 times the degree of difficulty 3.8 equals 112.1. I hope that answers your questions.. and yes what a beautiful final dive he had. World record til a while ago.. but might still be Olympic record

[@h3artands0uLL]

@@billyb9067 They all look Beautiful and difficult to me bc I certainly cannot do it. I also know nothing about diving. Can you please explain what makes his more difficult than the Chinese diver’s? Is zero splash the ultimate goal in dives? Does that mean precision? Thank you!

[@gaurishah2466]

"The crowd went bananas" 😂😂🍌🍌

[@mrjeremydizon]

He is so pleasant and eloquent. Great job!

[@odonata9838]

I remember seeing this footage and thinking it was one of the most inspirational examples of athletism ever recorded. Mitcham's infectious personality and technical precision encourage me in so many ways - and I barely even swim!

[@jessejiaxin7389]

Can't believe it's 10 years ago but I remembered watching that live. I was only 10 years old and didn't really understand how precious that medal means to him. Nor I knew at that time that china is dominating in diving and beating the dominating country in the olympics is really something! I remembered he was crying after he knew that he came up first at his last dive, now watching this, I am so absolutely proud of what he had did to get that gold medal :') much respect to him.

[@gargantuantentacles8980]

I was praying for him on live telecast even I'm an American, then I was so proud.

[@glumpink4106]

As a chinese australian, watching him dive made me very happy

[@EmilyRose-ud4hn]

Honestly made me cry a little bit

[@BeautyShemale]

Me too.

[@givyncadavos8923]

Im not Aussie, but I cried for his success.

[@stevemurrell6167]

This, for me, is up there with Kathy Freeman's 400m win and the Men's 4 x 100 freestyle relay at the Sydney Olympics.....it's just sensational! The Chinese were dominating the diving at Beijing, threatening to clean sweep the entire competition then along came Mitcham with a virtually perfect diving exhibition to deny them. So sweet!! The final dive was as close to perfection as any dive in history! Matthew Mitcham.....you are an Olympic Legend!

[@absidyabsidy2727]

Men’s 4x100 freestyle relay at Beijing was even more impressive

[@lesliegoodman-malamuth9796]

@@absidyabsidy2727 Well, it is for Americans-this post celebrates Aussies!

[@harvestspam]

The second and the final dive. Immaculate.

[@tonymatthewaustin9597]

What an amazing achievement. Matthew, I have watched this video several times and always feel exhilarated. That last dive???? My God! Human perfection. You are inspirational.

[@anubeia]

25 million of us Aussies, and we're always flicking the ear of greatness hoping to see those ahead of us break under pressure. Whilst we don't go to schools on kangaroos like others want you to believe, Steve Hooker could jump pretty high with a stick. We might be born from a colony of people running from the law, but Sally Pearson could run quick and jump over hurdles in her way. The majority of us may be confused by the concept of ice, but Steven Bradbury could at least stay on his feet whilst others were being swept off theirs. And whilst we'll always go on about how we *technically* won the 2006 World Cup (since we could have beaten Italy), we too can pull off some awesome dives. G'day from upside-down-land!

[@hrh4961]

I was so enchanted by MM with his beautiful diving and the interviews afterwards (even one in French!), I saved them all. I look at them every once in a while and still marvel at what this lovely lad has done.

[@deanjensen3657]

Who's the peanuts awarding 9's for that last dive... perfection..

[@billyb9067]

For real. What a hater or just blind.

[@justtina8332]

Probably the chinese

[@khaderach19]

Split legs - in his summersault

[@siramoras]

Well, for me it wasn´t a 10. He had a tiny, tiny mistake, so I would have given 9.5 - 10 is not false btw, I get why some voted 10. But 9.0 ?! You gotta be asking them what they want to see to give 10...

[@Tully_23_32]

@@justtina8332 Agree! 🤣, They were probs thinking this blokes an Aussie they can dive

[@yiseng4602]

Not only he was the most underrated diver of the decade but it was this Australian Matthew Mitcham that prevented China from a complete sweep of all the diving golds at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The all conquering Chinese divers were expected to sweep all the diving golds at stake and they did that with the women's. But it was Matthew Mitcham whose final dive which garnered him more than a 100 points that shattered China's hopes of a clean sweep of all the diving golds. Mitcham had best hoped only for a bronze but he surpassed himself by clinching the gold.

[@marknorris1381]

How to rise to the occasion in one lesson by Matthew Micham.

[@jefferyjin5551]

I am a Chinese, I still remember back in 2008 when I was a kid and watching this diving on TV, and absolutely shocked with how well Matthew performed that dive and he definitely deserve it! Congrats to him.

[@rochellepatterson2789]

Well done Matthew! Great story, I loved sharing this with my 11 year old daughter - inspirational, personal sacrifice, self discipline and focus! All great lessons in life

[@camrynaleyanolen]

He's the cutest

[@neuralwarp]

Well .. I might give that to cassiel rousseau and domonic bedggood

[@zesldn]

Raw talent, you could teach diving to somebody for 4 years everyday and they wouldn’t be better than this

[@josephhapp9]

4 years???and the rest!

[@josephhodges9448]

I am so happy for you. I hope I can help my divers have the same grace and dignity your show -- win or not.

[@thomas351]

what a wonderful attitude ...a winner with a humble sincere attitude+

[@user-kh6ph5qh5k]

I WATCHED THIS LIVE AND I HAVE NEVER CRIED SO HARD FOR A SPORTING WIN SINCE COLLINGWOOD BROKE THEIR PREMIERSHIP DROUGHT IN 1990 HE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE MY SPORTING IDOL BRAVO MATTHEW

[@Zenoandturtle]

I remember watching it live... a miracle last dive!

[@marknorris1381]

One of the greatest single olympic performances by an Australian under pressure.

[@billyb9067]

I’ve watched this 20 times and get teary everytime!! What a victory Brother

[@shonalim7656]

Finally on him. Mitcham is so underrated. News is always about Tom Daley

[@shantanupatil9062]

I was so sure that Chinese are going secure gold medal till last but that moment when Matthew got 112 for his last dive.. you are a legend man. You dive under loads of pressure but still you secured gold medal. Hats off..

[@abcdefg54321x]

Amazing! What a deserving champion!

[@back2basics597]

A poor boy who struck gold. My favorite kind of story.

[@jlj0404]

I remember watching this live, I was completely in tears. Aussie Aussie Aussie!!!

[@Amy-jb6ml]

Jackie Johnson little late but.... OI OI OI. 😂🇦🇺

[@gega27tt]

I cry everytime I see them crying in this olympic videos :') perfect motivation for life

[@jasonbig1353]

I saw him at the Mardi Gras that year. :)

[@panquecascombacon5555]

For me, that was one of the best diving finals in history

[@martinweier505]

A real Aussie Bloke showing what a fighting spirit and much hard work can achieve

[@lucyscarpelli]

Awesome Technique!... Amazing Style!... Great Story!...

[@carlerle787]

All I can say is "Wow"

[@lewiswegner2339]

If my memory serves this was the same night as Steve Hooker and the Pole Vault gold, incredible.

[@demons12900]

That was an amazing story. #AustraliaRepresent

[@jamesrobinson2175]

You're a wonderful diver Matthew!

[@RLF1]

You earned and deserved the gold Mitcham. Now Sam Fuller is on the scene dping the same. Would love to see you both dive together. Youre both the best in tbe world 🌎.

[@ybch2086]

His story is so inspiring!

[@shanedallachy5450]

You are a Aussie legend Mr Mitchem ❤️

[@mobius3001]

this still makes me cry. all worth it.

[@biancairis93]

@Olympic would be great to see the full stream of the event :)

[@paulfenton8570]

Love this Matthew.

[@anthonymensingh1989]

Your a true legend you focused on your own dives and not what the other divers were doing that was the key to winning that gold medal love Anthony Fed ex lol

[@rainbowbecca3340]

What a legend!!

[@serenityflies1462]

Well done Matthew!! Sublime!!

[@jaycartwright5333]

Absolute champion

[@ausun9102]

Good on you man.

[@ajibmohd8460]

wow..aussie gold china silver in diving? unbeliveble.. great from malaysia

[@sivayamsiva9343]

Wonderful diving performance congratulations 🙏

[@videolekkamutube]

2016 here i am..still figuring out wat im going to do with my life

[@fortnitburgerlover1231]

videolekkamutube you should marry a goat

[@UjwalAnurag]

Yeah! I've got Goats..

[@liyejun]

Amazing!

[@messiasbarrosaugusto1316]

Uauuuu Congratulations !!!!! AMAZING !!!

[@user-wf1hz7pq2q]

Genius !

[@evab.6240]

What a legend.

[@rogerabbott8611]

Breaking the Chinese dominance in China itself... Watching this live was an exquisite moment

[@cherryshan6010]

It feels so special and proud to see that AIS sign! Ps: I got a koala from there

[@panhadalwin1192]

No no no .... La la la la la - XD

[@LastChanceFossil]

Here from SAS Australia.

[@royston228]

Incredible diver

[@prowelsh56]

Marvelous Champion and super nice lad.

[@songwaikit8718]

And to think that a score of 514.50 will not even win you the bronze medal this olympics. How much has the standards of diving progressed in slightly over a deacade!

[@knowinthatrowan]

10 years ago today !

[@colleen_schaner]

Imagine having to go after him

[@sopheditsXx]

that happens all the time i always see if i get a medel put sometimes i try not to see and focus on the run because im a 1500 long distancer.

[@lillithsternin7428]

Well done!!

[@akhmadripai3248]

i love you from Indonesian Fan

[@kerrijohnstone7588]

I have to be honest I’ve never heard of this guy, yeah yeah so shoot me LOL but seriously I have never heard of this guy just watching In dive, he is incredible.

[@lesandres23]

Amazing Story!

[@lukelee3]

Some dives were overscored but he had the best and hardest dive. He deserved it.

[@manuelgirola5456]

Superstar!

[@koko5960]

ONE TIME WONDER!!!

[@josephhapp9]

Matthew has many talents. This Gold Medal shows the world all people deserve respect, love and equality.

[@jia9420]

"Pretty smick dive"

[@ariefhm]

round 2, 4, 5, 6 are really amazing but round 2 is really on point.

[@sweethomechicago]

Serious question: Does anyone know why the final Chinese diver's dive was not good? They said he ended up "bombing it" but it honestly looked the same to me.

[@mobius3001]

Seriously did u see the size of the splash? It was over rotated

[@josephhapp9]

Watch the slow motion replay,,,entry needs to be vertical and straight instead of banana shape on the approach. Heels and toes should be together, not flapping like Butterfly wings. And then a definite splash.

[@coll4455]

He’s adorable

[@johnster02]

epic

[@bigulim18]

Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!

[@mqzdelsym7347]

I’m proud and I’m half Mexican half Spaniard hahaha

[@ktwashere5637]

I think it pays to take a break sometimes. People train endlessly without a break but your body and mind needs to step away so it can process.

[@hamideljaouhari708]

Etrilyon

[@hamideljaouhari708]

100

[@wickedphant0m]

imagine the pressure of trying to follow the highest scoring dive in history... lol

[@planetX15]

What pressure?

[@birgorkhali2387]

To bit Chinese driver in their land is quite impressive 👍🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@eduardosandoval176]

The only not Chinese gold medal champions in Beijing.

[@glumpink4106]

3:14 BEIBEI and jINGjING ?! What r they doing here 😂😂

[@SNSDFOREVERSONESEO]

:))

[@antongunawan9724]

Saya Mau Sport divingnya untuk Pria atau Cowoknya ditayangkan tgl 13 Juni hari Jumat yang lalu untuk akhir bulan Juni ini dan awal bulan Juli mendatang untuk awal dan akhir tahun 2008 ini dan awal tahun 2009 nanti biasanya saja lagi iya deh.

[@hamideljaouhari708]

👉😁

[@daniichaiirez2704]

u2

[@XavierCoates1]

Is it just me or does he kind of look like dantdm

[@planetX15]

Just you

[@XavierCoates1]

@@planetX15 fair enough

[@jaxonreid3049]

,

[@mckeybroner233]

Chinese 🙄😥

[@tanishagoldfarb9999]

The honorable garage lovely whirl because creek informally jam underneath a sharp noodle. cooing, ill catsup