Jamaica’s diving flagbearer and team captain, Yona Knight-Wisdom, advanced to the semifinals of the Men's 3m Springboard at the 2024 Paris Olympics, following a successful routine in qualifying at the Aquatics Centre on Tuesday.

The British-born Knight-Wisdom scored a total of 382.90 points to secure the 14th overall position.

Knight-Wisdom performed exceptionally well in the six rounds. He received 73.10 points for his outstanding performance in the Forward 2½ Somersaults 2 Twists pike dive, followed by 72.85 for his Forward 3½ Somersaults pike dive. His other scores were: 67.50 for a Forward 2½ Somersaults, 1 Twist pike dive; 64.50 for a Back 2½ Somersaults pike dive; and 61.20 for an Inward 3½ Somersaults tuck dive. His Reverse 3½ Somersaults tuck dive scored 43.75 points.

The 29-year-old became the first Jamaican male diver to compete at the Olympic Games when he participated in the 3m springboard at Rio 2016. He was also the first Jamaican diver to compete at the world championships when he participated in the 1m springboard at the 2013 edition in Barcelona, Spain. He is credited as a 2019 Pan American Games silver medallist in 1m springboard.

The semifinal is scheduled for August 7.

In a momentous announcement from the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) on Friday, diver Yona Knight-Wisdom was named the Men's Team Captain for Jamaica's contingent to the 2024 Paris Olympics. The news, which also saw sprinting icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce named Women's Team Captain and triple jumper Shanieka Ricketts alongside swimmer Josh Kirlew chosen as flag bearers, has sent waves of excitement through the Jamaican sports community.

 Knight-Wisdom, 29, who made history by representing Jamaica in diving at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, is now set for his third Olympic appearance. His appointment as Team Captain marks a significant milestone, reflecting the growing diversity and inclusivity within Jamaican athletics.

 "This is an honour for me and something I was absolutely not expecting," Knight-Wisdom shared, brimming with enthusiasm. "To be named a Team Captain for Jamaica, particularly as an athlete from the Diaspora and a non-track athlete, is a huge responsibility and an incredible opportunity. It's a chance to lead and inspire the team towards a successful Olympic Games, whether that means winning medals, achieving personal bests, or simply delivering satisfying performances. If I needed any more motivation for my own events, this announcement has given me all the energy I need for the final push."

 Knight-Wisdom's journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Breaking new ground as Jamaica's first Olympic diver, he has consistently pushed boundaries and defied expectations. His captaincy symbolizes not just his personal achievements but also the unity and strength of Team Jamaica, which is now more inclusive than ever before.

 As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics intensifies, the leadership of Knight-Wisdom and Fraser-Pryce promises to be a beacon of inspiration for their teammates. This historic captaincy not only highlights Knight-Wisdom’s remarkable journey but also sets the stage for an Olympic campaign filled with passion, determination, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

In a significant announcement ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Jamaica Olympic Association revealed that sprinting legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and diver Yona Knight-Wisdom will serve as the team captains for Jamaica's Olympic squad. The Games, set to commence in a week's time, will see these distinguished athletes leading their compatriots as they aim for glory on the world stage.

Fraser-Pryce, a decorated sprinter and one of the most recognizable figures in track and field, will be competing in her fifth Olympic Games. The 37-year-old has an illustrious history, having been the first Jamaica woman to win the Olympic 100m gold medal in 2008, a feat she repeated in 2012. She also claimed bronze in the 100m at the 2016 Rio Olympics and silver at the 2020 Tokyo Games, solidifying her status as one of the all-time greats in her sport. Fraser-Pryce now sets her sights on an unprecedented fifth consecutive Olympic 100m medal, a testament to her enduring excellence.

Joining Fraser-Pryce as a leader is Yona Knight-Wisdom, who made history by becoming the first male diver to represent Jamaica at the Olympics during the 2016 Rio Games. The 29-year-old also competed in the 2020 Tokyo Games, which took place in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Knight-Wisdom's pioneering spirit and dedication have paved the way for future generations of Jamaican divers.

In addition to the captains, the Jamaica Olympic Association has announced that veteran triple jumper Shanieka Ricketts and British-born swimmer Josh Kirlew will have the honour of being flag bearers at the opening ceremony on July 26.

Ricketts, a two-time world championship silver medalist, narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal with a fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Games. She is determined to clinch her first Olympic medal in Paris.

Kirlew, a 24-year-old swimmer, will be making his Olympic debut in Paris. As a rising star in Jamaican swimming, he represents the next generation of athletes poised to make their mark on the global stage.

As they aspire to achieve loftier goals at sports’ ultimate event, the nation’s latest qualifiers for the Olympic Games and sporting associations they represent, have expressed gratitude to the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) for the assistance afforded in attaining their Tokyo goal.