Good And Tough

Louganis, who watched and applauded Chinese springboard wonder Gao Min as she won the women's gold on Sunday with a score of 580.23, 45.90 points more than second-place Li Qing of China and 47.04 ahead of bronze medalist Kelly McCormick of the U.S., said these Games would not necessarily mark the end of his career. He may dive in the one-and three-meter springboard events at next April's U.S. Indoor Nationals at his home pool in Boca Raton, Fla., in a bid to break swimmer Tracy Caulkins's record for most U.S. aquatic titles (48); Louganis has 47.

At the same time, he was reluctant to overstate his accomplishments. "No, I don't want to be remembered as the greatest diver who ever lived," he said. "I want to be able to see the greatest diver. I hope I live to see the day when my records are broken."

"We must all learn from Louganis's grit and determination," said Chinese coach Xu Yiming. "In adversity he was able to rise up and win the championship. We must emulate this kind of spirit. I am personally humbled."