Mexican diver Paola Espinosa is expecting an Olympic medal in the Water Cube National Aquatic Center on Sunday.

The 22-year-old is one of the best divers in Mexico, as she claimed as many as 11 medals in international competitions in 2007.

Espinosa is selected to bear the Mexican flag at the opening ceremony on Aug. 8.

"It came down to three athletes and a Mexican commission voted. I was chosen because of my good results and the consistency of my performances and skills," Espinosa said after Sunday's training.

The Mexican will compete in the women's 10-meter platform individual and synchronized events in the Water Cube.

"To be the flag-bearer of my country is my big honor, and it's one of my dream. I has another dream, which is winning a medal in Beijing Olympics," said Espinosa, bronze medallist of the 10m platform in the FINA Diving World Cup on February.

A series of good results in 2008 made Espinosa one of the favorites for the 10m platform. Apart from the World Cup, she also took the gold in the World Series legs in Sheffield and Tijuana and the bronze in both individual and synchronized event in Nanjing.

Espinosa started Sunday's training at 10:00. She focused on the 10m platform in most of the training, and also practiced some synchronized dives.

"I felt good," she said. "I was a little bit tired earlier when I just arrived, but now I felt much better."

"I feel like I was born for diving. I feel that my body and my qualities are meant for me to be a diver, so this gives me an advantage." She added.

Espinosa had thought about competing in the 3m springboard, but at last she decided to focus on the platform.

"It was a decision taken by the Mexican managers," she said. "I wanted to compete in the 3m springboard. I'm also good in that event, but Mexico decided that I should concentrate on the platform."

Ma Jin, a Chinese coach of the Mexican team, said Espinosa was a talented diver and quite hopeful in Beijing Games.

"Paola is good," said Ma. "She's quite consistent."

Off the pool, the diver is inconsistent.

"Paola is very changeable. It's hard to know what she is thinking." Ma said. "It really took some time for us to get along with each other. When she's in a cheerful mood, she can dive very well. When she is in a lousy mood, you can not force her to practise any more."

Ma came to Mexico six years ago has helped a lot in Espinosa's diving.

"Our collaboration is very good," said Espinosa. "I feel that my level has greatly improved. Ma has taught me a lot of things and technique that only the Chinese can see."

"Before, I was able to perceive those things but not to put them into practice," added the Mexican.

(Xinhua News Agency August 3, 2008)