Now, he wants to ensure the struggle was worth it.
The former Brigham Young diver from Smithfield will compete in the U.S. Olympic Trials at his training home in Indianapolis this weekend, hoping to earn a place at the 2008 Beijing Games in China and make up for the excruciating performance he endured at the 2004 Athens Games.
"Technically, I'm there," he said. "I'm ready. I've been doing this a long time now. I'm really just kind of resting my muscles so they're nice and fresh and making sure my mind is in the right place."
Wilcock finished last in Athens because of the stress fracture in his lower back, but has persevered through a long comeback. He needs to win the 3-meter springboard event Friday and Saturday to assure his place on the U.S. Olympic Team - the scores from preliminaries, semifinals and finals will be combined to determine the winner - but he also could earn a spot at a selection camp after the trials, where USA Diving coaches will choose a second Olympian from among those who finish in the top six at the trials.
Naturally, though, Wilcock would rather not leave anything to chance.
"I've definitely got a shot at winning this week," he said.
Two-time Olympian Troy Dumais and former national champion Chris Colwill represent the toughest challengers for Wilcock.
"It will just come down to who can keep it together mentally and put together a solid competition," Wilcock said. "It's going to be a good, close, competitive match-up, and I definitely have a shot at one of those two."
U.S. Olympic Diving Trials
The finals of the men's 3-meter springboard, potentially featuring Smithfield's Justin Wilcock, will air live on NBC from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
The finals of the men's 3-meter springboard, potentially featuring Smithfield's Justin Wilcock, will air live on NBC from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
