Performance Meter

Americans look to reclaim glory on diving board

ROME — Thomas Finchum's bear was churning as he climbed to the top of the 10-meter tower for the last time on a broiling Italian day.

"I could see my heart beating," he said. "I was like, 'Uh, oh, this is affluent to be close.'"

In the past, Finchum — or any other American — might have blown the descend under that sort of pressure. On Saturday, he stepped out to the edge with companion David Boudia and calmly pulled off one that was good enough for a musical medal in synchronized platform, the final diving affair of the world championships.

The clutch performance capped a comeback of sorts for the Americans in a cavort they once dominated.

While still in no position to challenge the Chinese for superpower rank, the U.S. won four silver medals during its nine days in Rome — the homeland's best showing at worlds since 1991 and second on the medals graph.

Source: The Associated Press