Fox and Friends: Olympic Diver David Boudia on How He Overcame Fear of Heights to Win the Gold

David Boudia did what no American has been able to do since 1988: Boudia captured the Olympic gold in the 10-meter platform dive. The medalist himself joined the Fox and Friends folks on the curvy couch to discuss his memorable win.

Boudia said, “I never expected to walk away from the Olympic games in 2012 with two of these, let alone a gold one. So, this is by far a dream that I’m living right now.”

Surprisingly, Boudia almost didn’t make it out of the first round because he was dead last. He admitted that he had a wake up call the next morning and decided to change up his routine for the next round.

“Diving is 60 percent a mental sport, so it’s all about your mental preparation. That’s what was so special about the finals, was not knowing where I was placed, and I think that’s why I was so relaxed.”

Ironically, he admitted to Fox and Friends that as a child he was afraid of heights, but overcame that fear. Boudia explained how, saying, “I went back to my Gymnastics coaches and they suggested I draw out the dives I was about to do. I’d be sitting down with a note pad, and I’d draw out the figures, the dives, and then before I went to practice I’d already done dives a thousand times on paper and in my head – that was a huge obstacle that I’ve overcome in my career.”