Cool diving: Knight-Wisdom produced his best ever performance at the Olympic venue (Photo: Rio 2016/Alexandre Loureiro)

Knight-Wisdom scored a personal best of 459.25 points at the renovated Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre, which is hosting more than 200 of the world’s best divers in the Olympic qualifier that is doubling up as the sport’s Rio 2016 test event. “I’ll be the first ever male diver from Jamaica at the Olympics, there was a female diver in 1972,” he said. “As my father is Jamaican and my mother is Barbadian, my option was to choose between one of those two. After making sure that I wouldn’t upset either side of the family, I chose Jamaica and I’ve been representing the country since 2012.”

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In an interview with The Jamica Gleaner, Knight-Wisdom admitted that he burst into tears upon realising that he had qualified for the Olympic Games, and said he hopes his achievement will inspire others to reach beyond their expectations. “It should inspire people to try new things,” said the Leeds Beckett University student. “Don’t be limited to what is normal and what is safe. Don’t be afraid to go against the odds.”

“I’ve gone against the odds, with the faith and support of my family, coaches and teammates, and I’ve succeeded”

Yona Knight-Wisdom

Knight-Wisdom admires his medal at the FINA Diving World Cup (Photo: Rio 2016/Alexandre Loureiro)

Despite the victory of Pacheco, the flag raised highest during the medal ceremony was that of FINA, as Mexican athletes are currently competing under the care of aquatic sport’s governing body due to their nation’s suspension. Not being able to use the Mexican kit, he topped the podium in a Popeye t-shirt but although heard the FINA anthem, he sang that of his country.

“I would have loved to see the green, red and white flag waving. But at the end of the day, the winner is the same. I’m very happy with the result”

Rommel Pacheco

Rommel Pacheco took gold in the individual 3m springboard event (Photo: Getty Images/Warren Little)

Brazil earned two places in the individual 3m springboard event thanks to César Castro and Juliana Veloso. “They even let off fireworks to celebrate,” joked Castro, referring to the lightning that zig-zagged in the sky above the Maria Lenk.  Veteran Brazilian Juliana Veloso won an Olympic slot in the women’s individual 3m springboard and hopes to be chosen by the Brazilian selectors for what would be her fifth Games.

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280 members of the National Force are providing security at the diving test event (Photo: Rio 2016/Alexandre Loureiro)

The event has also seen Rio 2016 test its security operations to the highest level yet, with the National Force in action for the first time in a scheme practically equal to that which will be used during Rio 2016. “For us, it’s already something worthwhile. We’re effectively going to ensure the safety of the event. It’s not a training exercise,” said Andrei Rodrigues, security secretary for major events at the Ministry for Justice.

Rio2016.com is not an absolute authority on qualification for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which is an ongoing process. Final places will only be confirmed in July 2016 (for the Olympic Games) and August 2016 (for the Paralympic Games). The qualification systems are defined by each sport’s respective International Federation and the International Olympic Committee or International Paralympic Committee, and are subject to change. When an athlete or team wins a quota place for their nation, the final decision on whether this ‘slot’ is used and which athletes are sent is taken by the respective National Olympic Committee or National Paralympic Committee (NOC or NPC). Even when athletes win a ‘nominal’ place for themselves, NOCs/NPCs may have to decide who to send if the number of qualified athletes from one country exceeds the quota.