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Our Best Divers Didn't Come: Russian Diver
After clinching her second bronze medal at the Universiade, Russia's Natalia Oumyskova said Sunday her country didn't send their top divers in Beijing due to age restrictions.
"There are many good divers in Russia who are much better than me, " said the 19-year-old, who finished third in both 1m and 3m springboard. "But because of the age requirements for the University Games, they can't come," she said.
Only athletes aged between 18 and 28 are allowed to take part in the games.
"I would like to be the second, but finishing third is OK," said a smiling Oumyskova, who is studying coaching at the Russian State Academy of Physical Culture.
Oumyskova praised Chinese divers for their outstanding skills,saying they are role models for Russian divers. "China have surpassed Russia in terms of £¨diving£© technique. We should learn from them," she said.
Guo Jingjing, who scooped her second title at the Universiade,said she will try her best to win the synchronized 10m platform on the coming Tuesday.
"Our team decided at the last minute that I should take part in the synchronized platform £¨instead of the synchronized springboard £©. My partner Cai Yuyan and I only practised 10 days. But I'll try my best to win," she said after Sunday's victory in the 3m springboard.
Guo, who was beaten into second by teammate Fu Mingxia at the Sydney Olympics, said she had been undergoing systematic training since then. "I think systematic training serves as a solid foundation for winning competitions. I'll try to get the best out of me and go to the Athens Olympics in 2004, " said the 19-year- old.
China had been dominating the diving pool in the past four days, sweeping all five gold medals and taking four silvers in five events.
China looks likely to grab its sixth gold when Olympic and world championships titlist Tian Liang competes in the men's 10m platform Monday.
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