China
Whispers of romance fuel Guo's glow at Games
By Li Tao (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-15 13:11
 |
Large Medium Small |
HONG KONG: While China's diving diva, Guo Jingjing, partnered Wu Minxin to win the women's 3m synchronized springboard final of the East Asian Games on Sunday, a Games' volunteer, surnamed Qu, said he was stunned by the media coverage of an event which featured only five pairs.
|
 China's Guo Jingjing exits the pool during a practice session in Hong Kong December 12, 2009. Guo will compete in the women's 3 metres synchronized springboard diving at the East Asian Games on Sunday. [Agencies] |
"I had never seen so many reporters covering a sports event in Hong Kong," said Qu.
Qu's words simply reveal how popular Guo is in Hong Kong. Thanks to a rumored romance with local Kenneth Fok, the grandson of late business tycoon Henry Fok, the diver emerged as one of the biggest stars of the Games.
| ||||
After witnessing Guo and Wu clinch gold even before their last dive, Qu said he was just more interested in the alleged romance between Guo and Fok.
"I heard reporters also flooded the stadium when Liu was there two days before but I think they went there for the sake of the competition. But you can see when Guo is competing here the reporters are not intent on covering sports news," said Qu.
Whenever Guo, 28, made a dive, dozens of cameras focused on Fok, who was in the stands.
Then, Guo could not escape the scrutiny at the post-meet press conference. When she said she did not do well in her first dive, a reporter asked whether the presence of Fok had unsettled her nerves.
"The deck was new to me but luckily my experience saved the dive from disaster," said Guo flatly.
However, she perked up the media throng when she mentioned Fok's name in a question addressing her future plans.
"He (Fok) will be supportive of whatever decisions I make," Guo said with a smile.
The four-time Olympic gold medal winner also dismissed reports she had submitted a retirement request to the Chinese authorities.
"The country raised me over the years and helped me earn all kinds of glory. I cannot decide to retire so easily."
Guo said she remains eager to compete for China and has her sights set on the Asian Games next year (in Guangzhou) and, if she remains in top form, the London Olympics in 2012.
"It also depends on my status. It's hard to maintain good form but, if I can, I would love to continue to compete for China to earn more awards for my country," said Guo.
But for the people of Hong Kong who have already witnessed the marriage of another four-time Olympic gold medal winner, diving queen Fu Mingxia, and Hong Kong's former Financial Secretary, Antony Leung, a few years ago, that's probably not good news.
"I think Guo should marry someone from Hong Kong as soon as possible," said a spectator. "She is more than an athlete. I believe she has the potential to work as a star in entertainment."
