U.S. divers Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook did not attend the Opening Ceremony because they prioritized rest, deeming it more important for their performance in their upcoming competition.
Prioritizing Rest for Competition
Sarah Bacon explicitly stated that both she and Kassidy Cook opted to skip the Opening Ceremony to ensure they were well-rested. Their decision was a strategic one, aimed at optimizing their physical condition for the competition scheduled for the very next day.
Key Reasons for Their Absence:
- Strategic Rest: Recognizing the crucial role of adequate sleep for peak athletic performance, Bacon and Cook consciously chose rest over attending the ceremonial event.
- Imminent Competition: With their competition directly following the ceremony, prioritizing rest was essential to maintain their energy levels and focus for the demanding athletic event.
This choice underscores the commitment of elite athletes like Bacon and Cook to their sport, often requiring personal sacrifices, even missing iconic events like the Olympic Opening Ceremony, to achieve their competitive goals.
