In Tuesday's men's 3m springboard final, the Russian diving icon Dmitry Sautin made six solid dives, especially the last one. Sautin made a 5353B, reverse 2 1/2 somersault 1 1/2 twist in pike position, which gained 99.75 point, the highest of his six dives and also ranked second in the round.
Chinese diver He Chong led all the way to win the gold, while Canadian golden boy Despatie took the silver. The bronze went to Chinese Qin Kai.
Dmitry Sautin of Russia competes in the men's 3m springboard diving final at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 19, 2008. [Agencies]
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The following are comments from Sohu's blogs:
Tian Liang, China's former "diving prince"
Russia's veteran diver Dmitry Sautin impressed me the most in the men's 3m springboard diving yesterday. Sautin has attended five Olympics since 1992, when he was 18.
Winning a gold medal in the 3m springboard has always been possible for him, but unluckily, he has never grabbed one in this event. It’s a pity that Beijing Olympics may be the last games for Sautin. Though he missed out the title again this time, but Sautin himself is a legendary. Salute to him!
Guo Jingjing, China's "diving queen"
I always regarded him as my idol.
He is not only an excellent diver, but also a good example for every athlete outside the arena. He is not as young as other athletes, but he still creates miracles on the diving board.
He Chong, men's 3m springboard diving champion
He is a man of integrity. And he acts as a role model for lots of athletes.
I like him. I see him as my example and will learn from him. I will stay on the diving board as long as him.
Yu Fen, Former Chinese national diving coach
Sautin is already 34 years old-old age for a diver, but he is still formidable.
The veteran diver, who snatched two gold medals in platform events, concentrated on springboard during the past several years and has maintained a very good athletic state.