Exclusive Q&A: Olympic diver David Boudia
David Boudia and Steele Johnson executed a back 2 ½ somersault with 2 ½ twists in the men's 10-meter synchronized diving competition on Monday evening and walked away with the silver medal.
The silver marks Boudia's second Olympic synchro medal and third overall -- as he won synchro bronze and individual gold in London -- and Johnson's first Olympic medal of any kind.
David had a chance to talk with AOL.com prior to the big night.
SEE MORE: Everything you need to know about the Summer Olympics
Q: Take me through a typical training day. Does your regimen change as the Olympics are here?
A: Regimen is crucial and something you'll hear all Olympic athletes talk about leading into the Olympics. It's important to stick to a training regimen and not switch anything up too dramatically.
Q: Funny story, about how at first you were 'petrified' of a 10-meter platform. When you first started diving, was it ever in your wildest dreams you'd be where you are today? Was that always a goal?
A:I never would have thought 16 years ago I would be an Olympic champion. This was always the dream but it wasn't until I took smaller, more attainable goals did I actual see this could be a reality.
Q: What advice would you give to a first-time Olympian?
A:To take this process slow, one day at a time. It was a long journey to get to the Games so don't rush through it.
Q: You often talk about your faith. How has that helped guide you along your journey -- and what's the biggest lesson you've learned through faith?
A: To keep perspective of what I am doing. Winning is amazing but it isn't what it is all about. I get to build relationships with hundreds of athletes all around the world.
Q: Out of all your accomplishments, what makes you most proud?
A: If I couldn't say my marriage or becoming a father then I would have to say winning my first Olympic medal (bronze) with Nick McCrory because it put USA Diving back on the map in the world of diving.
Q: You're a busy guy, but in addition to your training you've being doing some fun work with Head & Shoulders. What does the 'Shoulders of Greatness' campaign entail and how much fun has that been?
A: It's been great working with Head & Shoulders and I appreciate the support they've given me and my family on my journey to Rio. The Shoulders of Greatness campaign is about everything we carry on our shoulders as Olympic athletes -- the expectations, the pressure to perform at our very best, dedication to training. Head & Shoulders supports my family and I by ensuring that out of everything I carry on my shoulders, dandruff isn't one of them.
I am appearing in an ad you can find on the HEAD & SHOULDERS YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
