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Alexandre Despatie

Alexandre Despatie is a Canadian former competitive diver and broadcaster from Quebec.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Alexandre Despatie is a Canadian former competitive diver and broadcaster from Quebec. He won two Olympic silver medals, became a three-time world champion across all three individual diving events, and is widely regarded as one of Canada's most successful male divers.

Early life

Alexandre Despatie was born in Montréal and grew up in Laval, Quebec. He began diving at a young age and rose quickly through Canadian and international junior competition.

Competitive diving career

Despatie competed at four Summer Olympic Games from 2000 to 2012 and won two Olympic silver medals. He also earned multiple World Championship medals and became the only diver to win world titles in all three individual diving disciplines.

Retirement and broadcasting

Despatie announced his retirement from competition in 2013. He later moved into broadcasting and media work, including coverage related to Olympic sport.

Honours and legacy

Despatie has been inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and is recognized as one of the country's most accomplished divers. His achievements include major national, Commonwealth, Pan American, Olympic, and World Championship results.

Key facts

  • Despatie won silver in the men's 3 m springboard at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.
  • He was the first diver to win world titles in the 1 m springboard, 3 m springboard, and 10 m platform events.
  • He won gold in the 10 m platform at the 1998 Commonwealth Games at age 13.
  • He retired from competitive diving in 2013 and later worked in broadcasting.
  • He has been described as the most successful male diver in Canadian history.
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Canadian context

Despatie is a prominent Canadian sports figure from Quebec, notable for his Olympic medals, world titles, and later broadcasting career in Canadian media.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Alexandre Despatie?
He is a Canadian former competitive diver and broadcaster from Quebec, known for his Olympic and world championship success.
What Olympic medals did he win?
He won two silver medals in the men's 3 m springboard, at the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics.
What is he best known for in diving?
He became the first diver to win world titles in the 1 m springboard, 3 m springboard, and 10 m platform events.
When did he retire?
He retired from competitive diving in 2013.
What is his connection to Canada?
He was born in Montréal, grew up in Laval, represented Canada internationally, and is one of the country's most successful male divers.

References

  1. Canadian Olympic Committee — https://olympic.ca/team-canada/alexandre-despatie/
    Supports: Birthplace, hometown, Olympic medals, retirement year, broadcasting career, and Hall of Fame induction.
  2. Canada's Sports Hall of Fame — https://www.sportshall.ca/2018-induction-celebrations/alexandre-despatie.html?lang=FR
    Supports: Early life, youngest Commonwealth Games champion, Olympic results, world titles, retirement, and post-competition media work.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandre_Despatie
    Supports: Birth date, Canadian diver and broadcaster status, world championships, and Canadian title totals.
  4. Olympedia — https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/90550
    Supports: Date and place of birth, Olympic participation, and Olympic medal count.
  5. CBC Sports — https://www.cbc.ca/sports/alexandre-despatie-retires-from-diving-1.1307210
    Supports: Retirement announcement and summary of his major competitive achievements.