British divers feel no pressure from dominant China
30/7/2008 17:30
Feeling no pressure from the strongest rival China, the British divers
believed everything is possible at the upcoming Olympic Games to be held on Aug.
8-24.
"China is too strong for us. Guo and Wu (Guo Jingjing/Wu Minxia) are
the best divers in the world, but diving is full of possibilities," the 3 meters
synchronized diver Tandi Gerrard told Xinhua after a training session
today.
Instead of thinking too much about results, the 30-year-old seeks her
personal best together with her synchronized partner Hayley Sage, ready to
compete for a medal in the coming Games.
Tandi stood fourth in women's 3m
synchronized diving in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Since teamed up five years ago,
Tandi and Hayley participated in two World Cups, two World Championships and the
World Series in the recent two years.
The pair stood sixth and eighth in the
2006 and 2008 World Cups, respectively, and placed third in the World Series
this year.
"It is my second Olympic trip. We are in our best shape for the
competitions. As you can see, we look similar, and dive similar," said a smiling
Tandi
Another 3m women diver Rebecca Gallantree considered China's reign
"unshakable".
"I have not set a goal for the Olympics. I just want to enjoy
the competition," said the 24-year-old, who started diving at eight.
The
British diving team consists of a total of 10 athletes, five men and five women.
Head coach Chen Wen told Xinhua he has laid great emphasis on the basic skill
training in recent two years, and the team has witnessed rapid improvement in
performance in the recent world competitions.
However, the team is still too
young to compare with dominant China, he acknowledged, adding the goal is to win
one or two medals.
Most of his divers praised the "fantastic" facilities of
the competition venue, better known as "Water Cube", as well as the Olympic
Village.
"The apartment, garden, night piece...all of them are very
impressive," said Hayley. "It's the best ever Village I have ever lived in," her
partner added.
Xinhua
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