Dreaming: The Autobiography of "Diving Queen" Gao Min

Author: Gao Min
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-07-01
Features: The Dream of Pursuit is narrated by Gao Min in chronological order, covering her life from birth to 1992. Almost entirely new stories are disclosed, accompanied by dozens of precious photographs, involving her parents, coaches, and teammates. Gao Min has often expressed that while she is called the "Queen of Diving," few know the hardships she has endured. To "give everyone an authentic Gao Min behind the diving platform," she decided to compile her intermittent writings into a book. I recommend this book by Gao Min to both the Chinese people and the world. It is permeated with the word "truth." First, there are the facts. This book does not preach; it simply tells the real stories of her growth. Next, there are the emotions. The genuine affection of her family and the deep love of the people of her motherland. Finally, there is the meaning. It explores how an athlete grows and what their goals are—Wu Shaogu, the former Minister of the State General Administration of Sport, described Gao Min as someone who could "jump" and write, who was skilled in both martial arts and literature, accumulating strength over time and honing her skills. Her pen has a touch of magic, but her language is unadorned, her writing straightforward. Her narrative is concise, and her structure is appropriate, neither hiding contradictions nor evading shadows. She has experienced immense distress, long torment, terrible injuries, and pitiful confusion. She "quit training," "ran away secretly," and "had nightmares"; she mocked herself, lamenting "Gao Min's sorrow." She even grew to despise the diving sport she had loved since childhood, abandoning her world champion title and disappearing into a place where she would never be seen again. She feared the consequences of failing in the finals, imagining her parents dared not go out for fear of being blamed, her hometown's doors and windows being broken, and herself being condemned by the entire nation. She even considered suicide, planning to jump from a skyscraper after successfully diving and winning the championship. Who knew that Gao Min's "mystery" had so many strange and bizarre episodes!—Renowned playwright Wei Minglun
When people think of the "Queen of Diving," the young girl who won two Olympic gold medals and pioneered the "Gao Min era" in diving immediately comes to mind. This idol of the past, how did she handle the joys and sorrows of her athletic career? After achieving fame, how many unknown emotional experiences did she have? "Today, as I write this, tears still flow uncontrollably. I am grateful that my parents knew nothing about such training details at the time." The Dream of Pursuit is the crystallization of Gao Min's heart and soul. She spent two years completing this 200,000-word autobiography. How many small episodes in life come together to form an uplifting theme song. Gao Min inspires people to strive forward, and The Dream of Pursuit provokes deep reflection. Throughout history, those who achieve great things require talent, diligence, and opportunity—none can be lacking. Gao Min embodies all three; she possesses unparalleled talent, a rare opportunity, and unwavering diligence. There are two widely circulated ancient Chinese poems that perfectly capture this unshakable truth: "The edge of a fine sword is honed by grinding, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the harsh cold."