Anabelle Smith and Maddison Keeney secure Paris Olympics spot

Australian divers Anabelle Smith and Maddison Keeney have made history by becoming the first athletes from their country to secure spots for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The duo, known for their exceptional synchronised diving skills, will once again challenge for a podium finish in the 3-metre synchro event.

Smith, 31, and Keeney, 28, previously claimed bronze in the 3m synchro event at the 2016 Rio Olympics. However, Keeney missed the Tokyo Games in 2021 due to an injury setback. Undeterred by past challenges, the pair demonstrated their prowess by clinching gold at the recent Olympic test event in Paris. Moreover, their silver medal at the world championship earlier this year solidified their position for the upcoming Games.

Their successful partnership extends beyond the Olympics, as they also secured the Commonwealth 3m synchro title together two years ago in Birmingham. Despite living nearly 2,000km apart, with Smith based in Melbourne and Keeney in Brisbane, the pair has cultivated a fruitful collaboration over several years.

For Smith, the selection marks a remarkable achievement, placing her alongside Melissa Wu, Jenny Donnet, and Loudy Wiggins as the only Australian divers to compete at four Olympic Games. Reflecting on her journey, Smith expressed gratitude for the support she received during her recovery from a ruptured Achilles 18 months ago. She emphasized the significance of returning to competition and seeing her hard work pay off in the pool.

Keeney, equally thrilled by the selection, highlighted the relief of having their 3m synchro selection confirmed, allowing her to focus on preparing for the remaining Olympic trials and the Games themselves.

Their qualification sets the stage for an exciting journey towards the Paris Olympics, where Smith and Keeney aim to showcase their exceptional talent and pursue further success on the global stage.