Diving: Laura Wilkinson, United States

Laura Wilkinson thought the 2000 Olympics were it. Maybe. The 2004 Olympics were it. Probably. The 2008 Olympics are it. Definitely.

The former University of Texas diver has the ball of tape to prove it.

When Wilkinson steps out of the pool for the final time Aug. 21, life as she has known it for 30 years won’t be the same again.

After 14 years on the USA Diving Team, three Olympics and hopefully two gold medals, Wilkinson says that she is retiring.

“It would be a great ending to end on a high note with a gold,” Wilkinson said.

Even with her edge in experience, Wilkinson, the 2000 gold medalist, is the underdog in the 10-meter platform. Chinese teenagers Wang Xin and Chen Ruolin finished 1-2 at the 2007 World Championships. They have home advantage, but also the pressure.

“I’m used to getting written off,” Wilkinson said. “I feel like I’m always painted as the underdog, which is fine with me.”

Fort Worth Star-Telegram