Olympic Update:
Guo silenced all critics by becoming the most decorated female diver in Olympic history with six medals, four of which are gold. She backed off her retirement plans after winning springboard, leaving the door open for a possible return in 2012.Stand In Line:
Guo Jingjing is following in a long line of exceptional female Chinese divers. Beginning in 1988 with Gao Min, China has won every springboard gold medal since. Of course, this includes only three divers, Gao Min, Fu Mingxia and Guo - they seem to come in twos. The challenge, and the pressure, will be to continue that legacy.Her Place in Olympic History:
Guo has won four Olympic medals - a silver in springboard (behind Fu Mingxia) and synchronized springboard in 2000, and gold on springboard and synchronized springboard in 2004. If she were to win two medals in Beijing, she would become the most decorated female diver in history with six medals, surpassing Fu with five. With two golds, she would tie Fu for the most gold medals with four, although the only time Fu finished second was in a synchro event … but who is counting.She's Got the World in the Palm of her Hands:
Guo has made the world championships her personal playground. With nine world championship medals, eight of which are gold, she has won more world titles than any other diver in history. Her dominance cannot be understated. She has won every three-meter springboard world championship since 2001. An unprecedented feat in diving, much less any sport in the world today.A Thorn in their Side:
Guo will retire following Beijing, but in the meantime, she will continue to test the patience of her coaches. She seems to be the constant source of rumors concerning everything from her social activities, her excessive commercial opportunities, and even a rumored pregnancy. She has also added bulletin board material for her competitors with her slight of international competitors, referring to them in less than flattering terms. If you can back up your talk with results though, I guess you can say anything you want.Too Good to Lose:
If Guo is in Beijing and committed to winning gold, she will win. She is just too good. However, if too many distractions clutter her training and focus, I'm sure there are plenty of divers who would love nothing more than to knock her off the podium.Guo's Stats:
- Height: 5 ft. 4 in.
- Age: 26
- Birth Date: October 15, 1981
- Hometown: Baoding, China
- World Championship Medals (9): 1998 Three-meter Springboard Silver; 2001 Three-meter Springboard Gold, Synchronized Springboard Gold; 2003 Three-meter Springboard Gold, Synchronized Springboard Gold; 2005 Three-meter Springboard Gold, Synchronized Springboard Gold; 2007 Three-meter Springboard Gold, Synchronized Springboard Gold
- Olympic Medals (6): 2000 Springboard Silver, Synchronized Springboard Silver; 2004 Springboard Gold, Synchronized Springboard Gold; 2008 Springboard Gold, Synchronized Springboard Gold
