The drive to dive - Fricker reflects on what's next after Olympic debut
Written by Will Faulkner
Sam Fricker was always destined to compete at the Olympics from a young age.
As a child in primary school, Sam was invited out to compete in a school's national diving event, and hasn't looked back since.
Nearly ten years later, he has just finished competing in the Tokyo Olympic Games and is truly overwhelmed by all the support he has received from his millions of followers across the globe.
A very humble and honest figure, Fricker describes his diving journey so far as one that has been powered by self-belief and a tight friendship group.
"Once I commit to something, I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make it. I'm on my road, and I have a very strong vision of where I want to go," said Sam.
His commitment to the sport is unquestionable, having trained more than five years for this year's 10m platform event.
Having trained more than a quarter of his life for Tokyo 2020, Sam Fricker couldn't be more prepared for the world stage - Photo: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
After waiting over two weeks in the Olympic Village for his shot on the big stage, Fricker admitted it was a weird feeling having so many fellow Aussies leave before his event.
"It was definitely a bit of a mind game [staying in the village for so long]. I had one of my friends from Newcastle fly in and out within 72 hours for her event, while I waited nearly two and a half weeks to compete."
After the long-awaited build up with hopes of making the final, Fricker took to the stage on August 6 for the preliminary stages of the 10m Platform.
“I really wanted to make the final, but in all honesty - I had a shocker of a day. I can put it down to a couple of things, but that’s just sport sometimes.” said Fricker of his Olympic performance.
Despite winning gold on the international stage in Germany 2018, Fricker's run for a medal was not to be in Tokyo - Photo: Sam Fricker
Fully aware that the world is yet to see his best, Sam in hindsight reflected on some things he believes he could have done better in his preparation.
Meditation and visualisation are two very important aspects for many divers, and Sam is no different.
"I guess I could have been more present in the competition, and incorporated mindfulness into my game a little bit more. Hopefully I'll be able to have my coach there in 2024 too."
Despite his strenuous diving commitments, Fricker has established a gigantic following on his social medias, including over 1.2 million followers on app 'TikTok'.
To begin with, his content solely revolved around diving and his love for the sport as a teenager.
However, in more recent times, his platform has enabled him to create a variety of content, as well as promote his recent business venture known as Sam's Straws.
Sam and his girlfriend Mel enjoy a drink with one of Sam's Straws - Photo: Sam's Straws
Sam's Straws is an initiative very close to his heart, with the objective of keeping the world's ocean's clean from unnecessary wastage, and opting for environmentally friendly wheat straws instead of plastic.
His openness and transparency are two of many traits that makes Fricker so popular on social media, but he concedes it's not always easy.
"Social media is a very dangerous area that can get out of control if you let it", noted Sam.
"Having said that, if [social media] has affected me at all, it’s been extremely positive. I’ve met some of my best friends through social media; it’s changed my life."
Asked if he ever responds to negative criticism online, Sam said he plays his critics with a very straight bat.
"I got a ton of hate when I first started TikTok, but it’s not something I’ve really ever cared about.”
"Challenges I've had before with diving really put any online comments into perspective; they really don't phase me," he said.
Having arrived back in Australia from Tokyo, Sam only has a few more days before he is out of quarantine - Photo: @samfrickerr on TikTok
Now in the back end of his time in mandatory quarantine in Howard Springs, Darwin, Fricker is excited to rest up and see what opportunities come his way in the near future.
With Sam's Straws already successfully in the market and only growing with time, Fricker's plans to drop swimwear of his own is also well in the works.
"Obviously some things are confidential, but I'll be bringing out a swimwear range very soon. Sam's Straws will hopefully get some more commercial deals too; I can't wait to keep taking exciting opportunities."
And what would Sam's retrospective advice be to himself as a ten-year old?
“Don’t put so much pressure on yourself, and try and enjoy it."
"I obviously enjoy what I do a lot and have loved the process, but I think you can always enjoy it more."
With Tokyo 2020 conquered, the groundwork for Sam has now been laid for multiple Olympics to come.
His 'laser focus' as he calls it, is now as strong as ever, and will no doubt have him deep in the conversation for a Paris gold medal in 2024.
His drive to dive is undeniable, and with the whole of Australia behind him, Sam Fricker's career as an Olympian and entrepreneur is just getting started.