China

'Diving Prince' Tian calls it a day

(Reuters/Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2007-03-27 14:15

Guo Jingjing (L) and Tian Liang, diving champions in Athens Olympic Games, attend an awarding ceremony in Shanghai November 21, 2004.[file photo: Sina]

More than 20 lawmakers from Tian's native Chongqing submitted a petition to China's parliament in March calling for his recall "to win honour for the country", saying it was in the "national interest".

Tian, who failed to get the recall despite winning the national title in 2005, was reluctant to apportion blame.

"Both sides did nothing wrong in this matter," Tian told Titan.

According to the preparatory regulations of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Chinese athletes are banned from participating in any kind of social activities, including promotions and public activities.