BEIJING - Just one day after hitting a wall of frustration, Canadian top diver Alexandre Despatie seemed back in a good mood, unaware of what happened a day before.
Canada's Alexandre Despatie (bottom) and Arturo Miranda compete in the men's synchronised 3 meter springboard diving competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, August 13, 2008. [Agencies] |
"Disappointed? Oh no, not at all. I get to move on, and keep going. I still have one more event," said a smiling Despatie on Thursday, setting out on his new road for Olympic podium.
It's not easy growing up and trying to be the best in the world in something at the same time.
The world platform champion suffered an unexpected blow a day before, when he came too close to an Olympic medal in 3m springboard synchro but finally slumped outside the podium for his third straight Olympics.
During the dramatic event, Despatie and his 37-year-old partner Arturo Miranda, sat on third place along the first half of the competition. However, a difficult fourth dive, a forward three-and-a-half in pike position, cost them a tumble to the fifth and took away the bronze almost in hand.
"It's really very disappointing. We didn't perform well today. As you can see, we had lots of problems in synchronization," said a depressed Despatie after the competition.
"We prepared a lot for the final, but failed to take the chance, " he said in a low voice, with smiles fading away.
One day later, the extrovert reappeared on his favorite springboard at the National Aquatic Center, known as the Water Cube.
With smiles lingering on face, the sunshine boy seemed back to good shape. He focused on crouched jump, armstand and jackknife dive during his two-hour training on Thursday evening.
"I feel very good today. Though a little tired from the event yesterday, I had good training," said the Canadian top favorite, wearing his lucky cricket cap.
He had three more days to go before the 3m springboard individual event starts on next Monday.
"I'll stay focused on that event. Keep training and get ready," said a confident Despatie.
"I have confidence to win the individual event. Everything goes well for that," said the Montrealer.
His parents flew from Canada to Beijing to cheer for him, just as they did in the previous two Olympics.
"They really have fun in Beijing. They are always proud of me. No matter what happens, they always give me good support and encouragement," said the Canadian.