Diver Oliver Dingley admitted he had experienced the highs and lows of the Olympics after finishing 25th in the men's 3m preliminary round in Tokyo.
Only 18 go through to Tuesday's semi-final. Five years ago in Rio, Dingley progressed to the final and finished in eighth place.
"When you put it like that, a two-time Olympian sounds really cool," he said. "I have to take a step back, it’s a great achievement and I’m very proud of that.
"I could safely say I’ve experienced the highs and lows at the Olympics. It wasn’t the performance I wanted today, especially after making the final in Rio.
"At the same time I messed up a dive in the second round. And once you mess that it’s hard to gather yourself.
"I felt like I did gather myself to the best of my ability but silly mistakes cost me in each round and at this level when you make those mistakes it’s game over.
"It happens in high level sport, and it’s a mixture of emotions for everyone.
"But to stand there on the diving board today – it’s been a tough five years for me personally and I can definitely hold my head up high, to stand there representing my friends, family, loved ones, teammates, coaches and country."
That second dive was his downfall, when the 29-year-old over-rotated in his jump and only scored 40.30.
"I don’t think I’ve seen so many failed dives at an Olympic Games, but that’s what happens at high level sport and unfortunately I was at the wrong side of that result today," Dingley said.
"But I am proud at the same time and am looking forward to cheering on Tanya Watson as well. She’s a phenomenal talent and it will be a special moment for her, and for Team Ireland as well, the first ever team diver."
Dingley will be back on Wednesday to support the 19-year-old, who will compete in her first Games off the 10m platform.
"It’s phenomenal, we have great divers and it wasn’t their time in the qualifying rounds who didn’t get to come to this competition," he said.
"Tanya is a special talent and we have great divers in Clare Cryan and Ciara McGing – on days like these it’s hard, but at the same time as an athlete you look back on the journey and it has its down moments, but wow there’s a lot of good moments as well.
"To be the first person in 68 years to follow Eddie Heron from 1948, and I don’t know about trail blazing but I feel very lucky to be part of a sport that is diving, it’s only going to get bigger."
