Thomas Daley of Great Britain smiles during Men's 10m Platform Semifinal of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games diving event on August 23, 2008. Thomas Daley ranked 8th with a total score of 458.60 in the semifinal and was qualified for the final. The 14-year-old boy, who won the bronze in the men's synchronized 10m platform of the FINA Diving World Cup earlier this year, and grabbed the gold in the men's 10m platform of European Swimming Championships in this March, has realized his dream to compete in the Olympic Games with the world's best divers this August. His unusual performance, counterpointing his young age, has captured the media's attention and was dubbed as "diving prodigy".

Thomas Daley of Great Britain performs a dive during Men's 10m Platform Semifinal of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games diving event on August 23, 2008. Thomas Daley ranked 8th with a total score of 458.60 in the semifinal and was qualified for the final.

Thomas Daley of Great Britain smiles during Men's 10m Platform Semifinal of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games diving event on August 23, 2008. Thomas Daley ranked 8th with a total score of 458.60 in the semifinal and was qualified for the final.

Thomas Daley of Great Britain poses during Men's 10m Platform Semifinal of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games diving event on August 23, 2008. Thomas Daley ranked 8th with a total score of 458.60 in the semifinal and was qualified for the final.

(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2008)