For the 16-year-old Chinese diver Chen Ruolin, her first Olympic trip is full of excitement and aspirations.
"I am confident to bring back two gold medals at the Beijing Games. I will work hard on every dive instead of caring too much about results," said a smiling Chen.
As current world No.1 at the women's 10m platform diving, the teenage girl is laid great expectations to win back 10m platform gold with teammate Wang Xin, which China lost at the previous two Olympics following the retirement of Fu Minxia.
Born on Dec. 12 of 1992 in China's Jiangsu province, Chen started her diving career at four. Her excellent performances in a series of youth games and national championships, had attracted attention from national team manager Zhou Jihong, who recruited Chen into the Chinese "Dream Team" at an age of 12.
At her international debut in the Doha Asian Games, the 13-year-old Chen grabbed 10m platform gold with her synchronized pair Jia Tong, making herself the youngest gold medallist of the Games.
In the following two years, Chen, regarded as an "emerging star", defended her 10m platform title at the 2006 FINA Diving World Cup and the 2007 Melbourne World Championships, becoming the youngest champion of the Chinese team.
At the 2008 World Cup in Beijing, Chen pocketed both 10m platform individual and synchronized gold medals by gaining three 10's and four 10's for her nearly-flawless second and final dives.
"The World Cup had offered valuable experience for me in preparation for the upcoming Beijing Olympics. I think the biggest challenge is always from oneself. If you can conquer yourself, nothing is impossible," said the 16-year-old.
The biggest problem Chen encountered during preparing for the Beijing Olympics might be weight control. Divers always have to keep slim in a bid to give better dives.
The teenager has given up her favorite snacks and strengthened intensity of training in a bid to control weight for her Olympic dream.
Looking forward to her first Olympic tour, Chen said "we have strong rivals from Canada, the United States and Australia. Wang Xin and I will work harder and harder to grab the gold."
"I am very lucky to attend the Olympic Games in my own country, and will turn myself in a best shape before the Games. I have full confidence on myself," said Chen with smile.
(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2008)