(China Sports) Wu Minxia, a fragile champion diver with steel mind

When Wu Minxia renewed her own record as she claimed her eighth world title in her eighth FINA World Swimming Championships, she just made up her mind to continue her struggle with injury and age until her dream comes true.

"I have a dream that I can hold on and dive in Rio Olympic Games. The world champion today helps me one step closer to fulfill my Olympic dream, " Wu said.

It was Wu's 13th medal at the world championships, extending her own female record and all in diving when she won the women's 3m springboard synchro together with Shi Tingmao. She is the first diver to win a medal in each of eight editions of the world championships.

China wins this event for the eighth straight time at the championships. It is the first time a country wins a specific diving event at the world championships eight times in a row.

"If you don't count it for me, I am not clear it at all. I usually don't count my medals, I just care about my performance. I have overcame many difficulties and injuries through all these years. Without the love of diving, I would not be here and would retire many years ago," Wu said.

Wu, who was called the Fragile Girl, was immature and erratic during 2004-2008 as she thought too much and expected too much that caused her to suffer many injuries.

"I broke my feet on the land. I had waist injury, and suffered from long-time lower than normal hemachrome. I could not finish a normal training session like others. It was too hard that I almost wanted to give up," Wu recalled.

It was Wu's coach and team manager Zhou Jihong who encouraged her and boosted her confidence.

"I really want to achieve my goal - to compete in Rio Olympic Games and pass all the qualification events," Wu said.

Wu, 29 years and 284 days old, can become the third oldest female diver to claim a world title in any event, after Russians Irina Lashko (30-170, 2003) and Yulia Pakhalina (31-310, 2009).

Wu's former partner Guo Jingjing holds the record as Guo was 27 years and 282 days old when she grabbed gold in 2009. Wu also is the youngest world champion ever in this event. In 2001, she was 15 years and 258 days old when she claimed her first ever gold medal in women's synchro 3m.

"I never thought about my age or gap between my teammates and me. For me, to train my best and work with my partners better are the most important thing. We need to improve step by step and perform our best next year," Wu smiled. Endi