Shixin Li has had one goal in diving, to compete at the Olympic Games.

He was so confident in his ability that the Men’s 3-Metre Springboard diver had the Olympic Rings tattooed on his arm years prior.

True to form, Li secured his position on the 2020 Australian Olympic Team and made his dream a reality at the 2021 Australian Open Championships incorporating Nomination Trials.

Li’s coach, Andy Banks, says that Li has remained committed to his preparation and performance.

“Shixin moved to Australia with a dogged determination to get to the Tokyo Olympics and represent his new country,” Banks said.

“With the synchro event no longer an option, only one spot available for Team Australia and a number of other divers on top form, the trials was always going to be interesting.

“His hard work and attention to detail paid off with a quality and consistent performance which put him on the team, and I know he is looking forward to doing battle with his old countrymen and the rest of the World in Tokyo.”

Li first started diving in 1994 after his father’s colleague recommended he try his hand at a sport to burn off some energy.

After giving badminton, table tennis, and gymnastics a go, he found his way into the diving pool. To that point in time, he had only ever swam in a river before.

Since those humble beginnings, Li went from strength to strength and quickly found his way onto the Chinese National Team.

In competing for China, Li found international success which included two FINA World Championships titles in 2011 and 2013 in the Men’s 1-Metre Springboard event.

Tokyo certify isn’t the end for Li, who says that one day he hopes to dive at the Olympic Games with his daughters Lin Xi Li, Victoria Han, and Isabella Han currently ages five, three, and three respectively.

Watch Shixin Li compete at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games in the Men’s 3-Metre Springboard Preliminary Monday August 2, 2021.

Age: 33

Hometown: Melbourne

Coach: Andy Banks

Event: Men’s 3- Metre Springboard

Olympic Games: 2020