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20 Jun 2008 03:29 PM

Laura Wilkinson (2008 Diving Hopeful)

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

Welcome to our Focus on the Olympics articles that introduces you to our Olympic athletes and hopefuls that will be competing in Beijing this summer. Before every dive, Laura recites "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." from Philippians 4:13.

Meet Laura Wilkinson

Laura Wilkinson was a gymnast until age 13 when a sudden growth spurt made her too tall for the sport and she switched to diving. An eight-time All-American, she dove for the University of Texas but decided to forego her final year of eligibility to turn professional. In December 2001, she graduated with a degree in public relations. Laura and her husband have two dogs and two cats.

Why Root for Her?

At the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, Laura's victory came as a surprise - she moved from eighth place into first in the final round to win the gold, and was wearing a special kayak shoe to protect her broken right foot; an injury that almost kept her out of the Olympic Trials. She was the first American woman to win an Olympic gold in diving since 1976. In 2004, Laura finished in fifth place. At nearly 30 years of age, Laura, competes against divers nearly half her age - which is why her repertoire now includes one of the most difficult dives in the world: a backward, 3½ somersault pike. Laura is only female platform diver to win an Olympic, World and World Cup Championship

Performance Record

• 2005 World Champion gold medalist, women's 10m platform diving
• 2004 World Cup platform gold medalist, women's 10m platform diving
• 2000 Olympic gold medalist, women's 10m platform diving

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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