Boudia: Gymnastics an Olympic possibility

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Olympic diving gold medalist and former Purdue national champion David Boudia said Thursday that he's considering competing in gymnastics at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio De Janiero.

Boudia, who hinted at the possibility of competing in another sport prior to leaving for London last month, says fellow gold medalist McKayla Maroney, who was a member of the "Fierce Five" U.S. Olympic Women's Gymnastics team, played a key role in his dual sport possibility.

"You watch McKayla Maroney, she'd be an incredible diver, " Boudia said Thursday at the Boilermaker Aquatics Center on the campus at Purdue University, where Boudia won six NCAA championships. "She kind of inspired me. I think it's possible."

Boudia said he would only compete in vaulting-related gymnastics events.

"This could be a very outside shot but I'm a big dreamer," Boudia said. "Dreaming's not a bad thing."

Boudia, who competed in gymnastics during his childhood years before transitioning to diving , says that gymnast Bridget Sloan, a 2008 Olympic silver medalist, used to train near where Boudia has trained in Indianapolis. Boudia says that he's considering getting in touch with Sloan's coach for possible gymnastics training.

Boudia also says he plans on competing with Nick McCrory again in the 10-meter synchronized platform diving event at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio De Janiero , the competition in which Boudia and McCrory won a bronze medal during the Summer Olympics in London.

Boudia says that he's leaning toward not competing in the 10-meter platform event, the competition in which he won his gold medal, but might compete individually in the "lower board" diving events.

As for gymnastics, Boudia says it fits his ambitious personality.

"I don't think it's ever happened. That an athlete has gone into an Olympics doing two different sports. The reality of that happening is probably slim and none. But I'm a big dreamer so let's see."