Swim Shorts

In 1980, while rebuilding a competitive-diving program after the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese were inspired when they competed against Greg Louganis and his American teammates in the People's Republic. They vowed to master the great leap downward. Just eight years later, a squad of dazzling and determined divers from China, noted for their splash-free entries, are plunging after Louganis' records.

The Chinese already dominate women's diving. At a mere 5 ft. 3 in., 1986 World Champion Gao Min, 17, seems certain to take the gold medal on the springboard with her clockwork precision. Teammate Li Qing, 16, will vie for the silver with American Kelly McCormick. Meanwhile, Xu Yanmei and Chen Xiaodan could finish first and second in the platform contest. In the men's events, '84 Silver Medalist Tan Liangde will test Louganis' nerve and verve on the springboard, while Li Kongzheng will chase Louganis on the platform.

Whatever the outcome, some of the Games' most glorious moments will occur high above the water. During their training, which often begins at age ten, Chinese divers spend as much time practicing acrobatics in the gymnasium as they do dives into the pool. The result will be an aerial aria in Seoul.