Gopher’s head Diving Coach Wenbo Chen will join the United States Olympic diving team’s coaching staff in Paris for the 2024 Olympics.
The competition will be Chen’s third as an Olympic coach and second alongside head Indiana University diving coach Drew Johansen, who will serve as Team USA’s head diving coach. The two worked together in London with the U.S. diving team at the 2012 Olympics.
“It’s exciting,” Chen said. “It doesn’t matter how many times you are selected. ”
Chen has no shortage of accolades on his coaching resume. He was named the Big Ten women’s diving coach of the year nine times and Big Ten men’s diving coach of the year in 2016.
But when asked what he brings to the team, his answer was not about his awards or experience but his push for athletes to stay relaxed on the diving board.
“I always encourage them to be themselves and believe in themselves,” Chen said.
Chen’s philosophy stems from his belief that diving happens in the head. His attention to detail helped guide former Gopher Kelci Bryant to a silver medal in 2012.
Maddy Olson, associate coach for the Gophers swim and dive team, noted Chen’s connection to the athletes he leads.
Olson is part of the Gophers swimming staff and does not coach directly with Chen, but being on the pool deck with him allowed Olson to see how much Chen cares about his athletes.
“He’s got the fist pumps down,” Olson said. “People are always laughing on deck.”
Olson said Chen comes in every day with an uplifting spirit. Through the twists and turns of diving, he remains himself, which Olson said strengthens the bond between him and his divers.
“He’s a resource for them in life, not just the technical and diving aspect”, Olson said.
In less than two weeks, Chen will return to coaching former Gopher Sarah Bacon. Bacon, under Chen’s leadership, grabbed five NCAA titles.
Bacon left the Gophers diving program two years ago but did not leave Chen. The two have been working toward an Olympic debut for Bacon after she fell short of the team in 2021.
“Her goal was set up to make an Olympic team,” Chen said. ”Finally her dream came true.”
Bacon will make her Olympic debut on day one of the diving portion of the Olympics. She will compete in the 3-meter synchronized event on July 27 before competing in the 3-meter springboard on Aug. 9.
As far as Chen is concerned, his job these days is to stand on the deck of the Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis, France, pumping his fist into the air as he cheers on his student.
