Diving platforms

A diving platform or diving tower is a type of structure used for competitive diving. It consists of a vertical rigid "tower" with one or more horizontal platforms extending out over a deep pool of water. In platform diving, the diver jumps from a high stationary surface. The height of the platforms - 10 metres (33 ft), 7.5 metres (25 ft) and 5 metres (16 ft) - gives the diver enough time to perform the acrobatic movements of a particular dive. There are additional platforms set at 3 metres (9.8 ft) and 1 metre (3.3 ft). Diving platforms for FINA sanctioned meets must be at least 6 metres (20 ft) long and 2 metres (6.6 ft) wide. Most platforms are covered by some sort of matting or non-slip surface to prevent athletes from slipping.

All three levels of the platform are used in JO and NCAA competition. Each level offers a distinct degree of difficulty (DD) and therefore could yield different scores for divers.

Diving began in the Olympics in 1904 for men, in what was called "fancy diving", which has been believed variously to have been off a platform or off a springboard. The 10-meter dive began in the 1908 Olympics. Diving for women started in the 1912 Olympics for women, with the 10-meter dive.

In 2016, dives performed by competitors in 10 meter world competition included a 3-½ somersault tuck, a 3-½ somersault pike, a 2-½ somersault with 2½ twist, a forward 4-½ somersault, and a forward reverse 3½ somersault.

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