In August 2016, David agrees to Dr. Warner's unethical form of therapy consisting of delving into the past and artist dates. Reflecting on the year he turned sixteen, David discovers he had the God-given talent, determination, and a once-in-a-life time opportunity. Several things stood between him and a gold medal at the 1979 World Games Diving Championships, in T nsberg, Norway: his age, inexperience, family's secrets, and finances.

The springboard finals find David leading the best divers in the world, but shadows of his past try to derail his competitive psyche. With each dive, David must silence the voices in his head to perform a near-perfect final dive and change his life forever.

Returning home to Aulden, Ohio, David is faced with the reality that people aren't what they seem. During a celebration at the White House, President Carter announces that the USA will boycott the 1980 Olympic Games. Upon the disappointment, David accepts a scholarship to prepare for the 1984 Games in Los Angeles, and a possible boyfriend.