Conor Gesing didn’t start out as a diving prodigy, but the University of Florida sophomore has become a college champion through grit and passion. His story is full of unexpected beginnings, countless hours of hard work, and a drive that continues to push him toward greatness. I had the opportunity to sit down with Conor and reflect on his diving journey thus far.
Like any young athlete, Gesing’s path to diving wasn’t exactly straightforward. Gesing tried every sport imaginable as a kid, but none called to him. “I didn’t like soccer, baseball, or any sports my parents put me in. So, one summer at the pool, my parents told me I had to join the swim team. But then I saw the divers practicing and said I’d like to try that sport out. And it has stuck ever since,” stated University of Florida diver Conor Gesing.
Rising through the ranks, Gesing’s passion for diving grew. Gesing eventually committed to the University of Florida, where he made a significant impact during his first year. At the 2024 SEC Championship meet, Gesing achieved a first-place finish in the men’s 3M diving category and a third-place finish in the men’s 1M category. Notably, he became the first UF diver to win the 3-meter men’s category since 1985 for UF. “I felt instant butterflies, and my stomach dropped; it was pure adrenaline and excitement. It is one of the biggest highlights of my diving career so far,” stated Gesing.
After leaving his mark on the SEC platform, Gesing competed on an even bigger stage this past summer, the 2024 Olympic diving trials. Ultimately, Gesing fell short and didn’t qualify for Paris, but this experience only fueled his determination. “It was a phenomenal experience; I may not have done my absolute best there, but just being in that environment and being around all of these people that I have competed against in the past or never competed against before was really fulfilling,” stated Gesing. This experience was fulfilling for Gesing and taught him valuable lessons, mainly overcoming mental blocks and hurdles.
“When it comes to mental blocks, the best thing to do is just to do it because pain is temporary, and you will get through it. This is something I swear by,” stated Gesing. This mindset has helped Gesing stay focused and motivated even on the most challenging days of his diving career thus far. “Accept that not every day will be your best day. There will be days when your dives look bad, or you don’t feel up for it but keep pushing through and know that better days are coming,” stated Gesing.
As Gesing prepares for his sophomore season, he’s focusing on refining every detail of his technique. “Something as simple as pointing my toes at a hurdle is what I am focused on. These are just the minuscule details that can make or break adding or losing a point to a dive. Because a point can change everything,” stated Gesing. Another goal for Gesing is to build on his previous successes and improve his performance at the Zones and NCAA meets.
Conor Gesing's journey from a hesitant beginner to a collegiate standout proves that anything is possible with passion, perseverance, and a positive attitude. With his sharpened skills and relentless drive, Gesing is ready to make even bigger waves in his diving career, and he’s just getting started.
Main Image via the University of Florida
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