Feature: Chinese coach leads Mexican divers to gold medals

The 2015 FINA Diving Grand Prix in Leon of Mexico just concluded over the weekend, with Mexican divers winning five golds, two silvers and two bronzes. Behind these results, we can see a Chinese coach.

Ma Jin, who has been coaching the Mexican diving team for 12 years, said that she hadn't expected so many medals at this highly competitive event and her team did their best.

Ma's performance as a diving coach in Mexico is remarkable. She helped the country train its first world champion diver as well as other excellent athletes.

Her favorite pupil, Paola Espinosa, won bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and silver medal at the 2012 Olympics in London in the 10m synchronized platform.

Knowns as "princess of diving", Espinosa won the gold medal in the 10m platform at the 2009 World Aquatics Championships, during which Ma's two other trainees won one gold for men's three-meter springboard and one silver for women's three-meter springboard.

Ma spoke highly of Mexico's progress in diving in recent years. "The country is paying more and more attention to the sport. The FINA Diving Grand Prix in Leon attracted so many audiences that the stadium didn't have enough room for them. They were very excited about the event. Some brought all family members."

More children go to diving schools, inspired by Espinosa, hoping they can stand out one day as a diver.

Ma said Espinosa is one of most popular sports stars in Mexico, and many parents hope that their children can be as successful as her. In addition, Mexico's climate is suitable for diving.

Meanwhile, the Mexican government also shows its zeal for the sport, investing heavily on it and holding many international diving events. There are more places where people can learn and practice diving. Take Leon for example, there are two brand new diving stadiums with sophisticated facilities, said Ma.

Working in Mexico was not easy for Ma when she first arrived in the country in 2003 as she was far away from her family and ran into the language barrier.

Ma said she had thought of going back to China in the early years, and it was Espinosa who helped her decide to stay.

At the 2006 World Aquatics Championships, Espinosa cried before her competition, which Ma thought was because she feared of losing. However, Ma knew later that it was because she feared of losing the coach if she didn't perform well. Moved by Espinosa, Ma made her decision and dedicated herself to training divers like Espinosa in Mexico.

Ma's efforts paid off. Espinosa as well as her teammates have made remarkable achievements, which makes Ma feel gratified. At the same time, the young divers treat Ma not only as a coach but also a mother. They would help Ma solve any problem that she encounters in her daily life.

Dolores Hernandez, 17, a rising diving star coached by Ma, said Ma is her "Chinese mom".

"Her techniques have helped me make big improvement and she really cares about our life, health and study like a mom. I hope She can always coach us," said Hernandez.

Ma said she is very familiar with all the young divers and makes different training programs according to their situations.

Ma's work is recognized by the divers and their parents, as well as the government of Mexico. She received the reward of the Order of Aztec Eagle in 2012, the highest honor awarded to foreigners in the country.

Her job in Mexico was also commended by Chinese President Xi Jinping in his speech to the senate of Mexico when he visited the country in 2013.

As a Chinese coach, Ma said she is happy no matter Chinese or Mexican won the medals.

Mexican reporters, who covered the FINA Diving Grand Prix in Leon, were cheered by their national team's performance.

Oscar Attache from local newspaper of "El Heraldo de Leon" told Xinhua that Ma is a great coach and thanks to her efforts, the Mexican team has made many positive changes during the past 10 years and ascended into the power list of the world. Endi