INDIANAPOLIS – For Olympic hopeful Kassidy Cook, the moment of truth is fast approaching. A day off from competing just gives her that much more time to practice for the upcoming women’s three meter finals on Sunday.
Cook has overcome multiple injuries and the disappointment of narrowly missing her chance to compete in the 2012 Summer games.
“In this journey, she is at an age right now where physically, she can handle it, and mentally, we've worked daily, and I think she's in a really good spot,” Kenny Armstrong said.
A three time Olympic diver, Armstrong has been coaching and mentoring Cook since she was 8 years old. She is now 21. Think of their relationship like the one between Yoda and Luke Skywalker from the "Star Wars" movies.
Through the years, that’s what most people have compared it.
“I like that comparison, because I do try and stay mellow. I want her to perform now. I don't want her to think technical," Armstrong said.
Armstrong is a family man, a husband and father of three, and while he’s thought about putting all of this behind him, he is the first to admit Kassidy has helped re-ignite his spark and passion for the sport.
“Patti, my wife, who is just a saint, she opened my eyes up. This little girl has been in your program since 8. You've got to see this through,” Armstrong said.
Cook and Armstrong were focusing more on performance Friday than technique.
Behind Cook is a mom with the same fears, hopes and dreams that all moms have for their kids.
“I will be a nervous wreck on Sunday because I know how much she wants this,” Laura Cook said.
Laura Cook knows how hard her daughter has worked and what Kassidy has sacrificed to get to this point. She has been with her every step of the way on this journey on the road to Rio.
“She makes us so proud and so happy. we are very, very proud of her,” Laura Cook said.
[VIDEO: Diver's mom shows full support at Rio Olympic tryouts]
The rest of the gang, which includes her dad, five siblings and two brother in laws, arrive in Indianapolis on Saturday.
There’s something you should know about Laura when she watches her daughter compete.
“I have this big Ipad, and I put it in front of my face and I'll watch her on that screen,” Laura Cook said.
She thought she could break that habit but when she watched Kassidy dive without the Ipad, Laura said her daughter didn’t do so well.
Either way, it doesn’t change how Kassidy feels about her mother. She said her mother is her rock.
“That makes me feel great and that's what I want to be. You shouldn’t have told me that again,” Laura Cook said.
This journey, for the Cook’s, has had its peaks and valleys. Sometimes even the biggest cheerleaders need to have someone in their corner.
“Thank you, Houston. I appreciate everything you've done for her and all of the messages and love. The outpouring of love has been outstanding. Thank you,” Laura Cook said.