Career
Ruiz represented the United States in the 2000 Olympic Games and the 2004 Olympic Games. Ruiz took up diving at the age of 9. Upon a coach"s suggestion, he moved to the United States. at 12 to take advantage of the better training system.
Ruiz is a graduate of Doctor Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida.
Mark"s first attempt at the Olympics happened at the 1996 Trials. Ruiz also competes in synchronized diving (springboard and platform), which will have medal events for the first time in Sydney.
Mark retired (temporarily) after the 2004 Olympics in Greece. After his temporary retirement from competition, Ruiz taught diving clinics at the Young Men’s Christian Association Aquatic Center.
In 2010 Mark"s former team, Team Orlando Diving (TOD) affiliated with the Young Men’s Christian Association of Central Florida and became YCF Diving.
Mark Ruiz was named head coach and continues in this position today. 2004 Olympic Team Trials, platform, 3-meter springboard, 1st.