Oliver Dingley shared his enormous pride at representing Ireland in the Rio Games after he produced a brilliant eighth-placed finish in the men's 3m springboard final on Tuesday night.
The Yorkshire-born 23-year-old became Ireland's Olympic diver in 68 years - since Eddie Heron competed at the 1948 London Games - and rose to the occasion at the aquatic centre alongside the cream of the crop.
He was fourth, just outside the medal places, halfway through the final before tailing off but he emerged with his head held having secured a personal best of 442.90. China's Yuan Cao took gold, just pipping Jack Laugher of Great Britain, a childhood friend of Dingley's.
"You never know, we might get the next Olympic champions walking on to a Dublin poolside."
“It’s just so surreal – the Olympic final, and I got an Irish record in the final, for that’s a great achievement," he told RTÉ Sport.
"It was a proud moment for both of us. I’m all yours. I’m so proud to be able to represent Ireland. I’m so lucky.
"I’m the one who gets to stand on that diving board but there’s a whole team effort behind me being able to get there. I’m so proud and humbled. I didn’t know what to expect when I came out. I’ll be home in Ireland before the Games finish so I’ll be able to watch the rest of the Olympics with the Irish people."
79.90 is a brilliant way to finish your first ever Olympic Final. Well done Ollie. #TeamIreland pic.twitter.com/oUACTG2rDB
— Team Ireland (@olympiccouncil) August 16, 2016
Dingley said he hopes his feats in Brazil inspire a wave of youngsters to take to the board.
Having bridged that long gap back to Dubliner Heron, he's keen to see potential future Olympians stru their stuff in pools around the country.
"The last time we had a diver was 68 years ago, Eddie Heron, in London," Dingley added.
"Diving has been non-existent (in Ireland), hopefully we can start a new legacy. Even if get a few people into the sport of diving through that it would be absolutely amazing.
"You never know, we might get the next Olympic champions walking on to a Dublin poolside.
"It was so fun out there; I was so nervous but I had the time of my life. I just went out to enjoy myself and it was amazing."
