Mexico Showing Their Worth on Diving Platform

So precious is the men's 3m synchronised silver medal that Juan Manuel Celaya Hernandez won at the 2024 Paris Olympics that it is now kept in a safe deposit box in a bank in Mexico.

- Kimberly Kwek and Samuel Tan

The Mexican diver decided on the precaution to keep his prized possession and family safe, after hearing about another athlete whose house was broken into for their Olympic medal.

But this medal represents more than just personal glory; it also signifies something greater for Mexico's diving community.

He said: "It was a dream come true. It's a culmination of all the hard work that we've put in. A lot of people also started looking at us like we're the ones to follow, mostly Osmar (Olvera Ibarra).

"It's nice to have all the media attention, and the little kids following us on this journey so they can start their own and see how far they can get. It's been awesome, so we're glad to be that example for the next generation."

In a country obsessed with football and boxing, it may seem unexpected that Mexico's divers have established themselves as serious contenders on the world stage.

In fact, diving is the country's most successful sport at the Olympics, having earned 17 medals in total — one gold, along with eight silvers and eight bronzes.

Boxing, with 14 medals (2-4-8), is second, while athletics has brought home the most golds — three.

Despite this, diving remains less popular than football and boxing, but there is hope that the recent successes of the divers will bring more attention to the sport.