Andrew Capobianco has a few mementos from his last trip to the Olympics a few years ago.
He brought home a silver medal that year as a member of the USA Olympic diving team.
When he got home, he celebrated by getting two tattoos commemorating his trip.
He put the Olympic rings on his left bicep. He also had the year 2020 tattooed on his left forearm.
"It's kind of like a tradition for Olympians after you compete to get the Olympic rings tattooed somewhere," said Capobianco, from his apartment at the University of Indiana where he was training after qualifying for this year's games in Paris at the end of the month.
"I couldn't be happier to go back, especially to a normal Olympics. Obviously, the last time it was Covid, and my family wasn't able to go. So I'm excited to share this opportunity with them as well," said Capobianco.
He's also happy to be healthy this time around. Three years ago, he battled a back injury during the games.
He said it was painful, but he toughed it out and won the silver medal in synchronized diving.
This year, his only event will be the three-meter springboard competition. Andrew earned his spot by finishing first in that event at the Olympic trials in Tennessee last month.
Capobianco says he got a lot of congratulatory texts and calls after making the Olympic team again. He hopes to show the world that he's an even better diver three years after his Olympic debut.
"I think I've improved a lot in a lot of different aspects I would say. Mainly my maturity and my ability to be within myself and not worry about what others do. Technically, I'm a better diver. I'm a lot stronger than last time," said the Wantagh native.
He's out to prove it by adding some more difficult dives to his routine. He said those dives can "score you 900 to 100 points, which is what you need to end up on that medal stand."
Capobianco also said he looks forward to being able to go watch other events at the other Olympic venues, something he was barred from doing due to COVID restrictions at the last Olympics.
He said that will make it feel like a real trip to the games for him. And medal or not, when he comes home, he's heading back to the tattoo shop.
"Yes, I will get another tattoo to commemorate the Paris Olympics," he promised.
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