Chinese diver Guo Jingjing was finally crowned at the Olympic
Games after two failed attempts, winning the women's three-meter
synchronized springboard event with partner Wu Minxia at the Athens
Olympics in Athens on Saturday.
Guo, 23, who has won all titles but an Olympic gold, collected a
total of 336.90 points for the win.
The victory was so sweet because Guo avenged the defeat to
Russia's Vera Ilyina/Yulia Pakhalina in the Sydney Olympic Games
four years ago.
Ilyina/Pakhalina finished second this time with 330.84 points.
Australian duo Irina Lashiko/Chantelle Newbery were third with
309.30.
"We felt no pressure tonight," said Guo, a red-hot favorite
before the competition. "After the first dive, I am sure we can win
the gold."
"We have been prepared for the Athens Olympics for four
years,"she said. "We deserved the win."
The gold was China's third after sharp shooters Du Li and Wang
Yifu won the Game's first two titles Saturday morning.
(Xinhua News Agency August 16, 2004)