USA Olympic Trials storylines to watch: Men’s 3M
Tier 1: Andrew Capobianco. Andrew is still the man. He had to battle back at the last trials and has been working on the same list for 3 years. He’s got all the dives needed, just needs to hit them. His list is 5154B, 407C, 307C, 207C, 5156B, 109C. 207C is a tough dive and for that reason he’s one of very few that does it. If Andrew is on, no one will catch him simply with the DD advantage he has. With that big list he also has more firepower to come back after a miss should it happen. With a last name like Capobianco, Captain America seems fitting. Looking forward to see him on the biggest stage. Hear his story on episode 19.
Quentin Henninger. Quinn has all the dives Andrew does other than back. Quinn’s 205B is fantastic. Quinn has a great rip and in the world of split tucks make note of how exceptional his tuck shape is. I’m a big fan of Quinn and hope to see him put a couple lists together. In a few recent big meets there’s been a miss that just happens at the wrong time. Excited to see him turn that page and perform to the best he is capable of. I love his chances of making team USA.
Carson Tyler. I was hoping and praying that Carson would compete 3M as well as platform. The man can rip from anywhere at any time. He doesn’t have the biggest list with and 405B, 205B but as mentioned in the platform article, he’s THE ripper. Some are calling him “The Kid”. I just call him good at diving. He’s also the NCAA champion on 3M. When Carson dives no matter the level he’s the one to watch with that superpower to disappear. He may even have a better chance to make the Olympics on 3m. Hear his story on episode 62.
Tyler Downs. Tyler represented team USA in Tokyo. He capitalizes on consistency and is an incredibly beautiful diver. His list isn’t the biggest but he can out execute anyone. I’ve seen a couple off balance hurdles here ‘n there but when it’s clicking Tyler is elite. In the Synchro contest with Greg Duncan they have entered 109C which I have never seen Tyler do. I’d love to see it in the individual because if he can match his consistency and top tier execution with that dive it could be game over. Tyler makes this event interesting from a strategy standpoint because he simply doesn’t miss. Looking forward to seeing him compete again.
Tier 2: Grayson Campbell. Grayson is fresh out of retirement and diving with Mission Viejo. We chatted with him on episode 117 and he dropped that news and we immediately freaked out. Grayson matches power with grace better than most men. He will get extra points for amplitude without sacrificing speed in his dives. Pair that amplitude with a great entry he can do and Grayson will be in the conversation.
Jack Ryan. There are some serious upgrades in Jack’s list. Not only 109C but 5156B are listed. Jack has world class backs, reverses, and twisters. If he can hit his fronts and inwards he may be the man to beat. I think it’s coming. He dives for Stanford and has been representing team USA at countless international meets. I always enjoy the banter with Jack, he’s a great one. Hear his story on episode 102.
Lyle Yost. Lyle is a springboard beast. We chatted with Lyle on episode 68 and became big fans. We also had him on for a re-watch of a 1m finals on our YouTube channel and we talked about energy management. 1m is nearly always first in these bigger meets so without it, I am all in on Lyle. With 3m as the sole focus I think we may see him shine his brightest. He’s has a big list with 5156B and can rip with the best of them.
Luke Sitz. The high schooler. This kid is legit. He’s the NISCA high school national champion. Rising the ranks quickly with a killer 307C and 109C. He’s a dark horse with a lot of the ingredients needed to have a high finish but how high will he go? Certainly a name for 2028 that will be in the foreground I just didn’t want to miss him this go around. He could shock some people. I’m here for it.
Tier 3: Dylan Reed. The support for Dylan is off the charts and he reciprocates that for us. Much appreciated brother. Dylan is another wildcard that I can see having a huge event. He’s extremely clean and has one of the best 5337D in the game. He’s a fellow tall guy and for me seeing long lines separates him from the pack. I personally know him the best of anyone in this meet and has a great mental approach to diving. Hoping all the pieces fall into place for a big meet. Hear his story on episode 132.
Greg Duncan. Greg is so solid and has been for a while. He has a very good list of dives and tons of international meet experience. He was a tough one to place because he’s capable of such greatness. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Greg was top 5 or better. I’m told he’s among the highest quality people too. We would love to get Greg on the podcast some day with all the great things his peers have to say.
Max Fowler. Similar to Luke Sitz, Max is a star on the rise. He had an impeccable Junior career and his start of the NCAA career has been very successful. He has enough big dives to compete and the ability to flat rip. Keep your eye on Max these trials and beyond. His future is bright.
Other Notables: Brendan McCourt. Very beautiful diver capable of a top tier rip.
Nick Harris. Strong diver, excellent on 1m.
Noah Duperre. Pretty diver, elite 5337D.
Collier Dyer. Been trending for a while. Keep an eye on 109C the man can shred it.
Maxwell Miller. Has the ability to find vertical from anywhere. 2028 will his time to shine.
Holden Higbie. Crazy good rip. 2028 will be the Holden show.
Allen Buttego III. Massive list that matches Henninger. If he hits them, he’s in the hunt. Hear his story on episode 109.
Evan Moretti. Another 207C in the meet. Lots of power.
Looking ahead to the Olympics I will be happy if we have a finalist or 2. With 2 strong divers from China, Osmar from Mexico, Jack Laugher from Great Britain, a handful of other elite divers, I just can’t see a podium finisher for the USA. If someone catches fire and hits 6/6 we still need to beat 2 of the 4 of the names I mentioned above for bronze. Tall task. The Men’s 3m on the world stage essentially requires all 07’s, 109C, 5156B, and another big twister. Only Andrew fits that profile for us if we are hoping for a medal. We have so many exceptional divers, the world just has us beat in Paris. Again, I hope someone shoves that right in my face and shocks the world. They may be able to hear me cheering from across the world at my TV if it happens.