Bouncing around
Matthew Mitcham will make his Olympic debut in Beijing in the 10m platform event. A former trampoliner, Mitcham began diving eight years ago after being spotted at a local pool by a coach who believed he had potential. Mitcham, who was once the junior world champion in trampoline, quickly began diving full time, and competed in his first national championship meet at age 12.

Coming out
Mitcham made headlines in Australia when he revealed to the Sydney Morning Herald that he is gay, becoming one of the first Australian athletes to do so. Mitcham said he hopes he can find a way to bring his partner, Lachlan, to support him Beijing -- though he can't afford it on his own. 

Big breakthrough
After finishing fifth at the 2008 World Cup in Beijing in February, Mitcham shocked even himself by winning the 10m platform event at the USA Grand Prix in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in May. After scoring four 10s on his fourth of six dives, Mitcham began jumping up and down in celebration. "I can't even at the moment remember what dive it was, I am so excited," Mitcham said. Finishing second in the event was fellow Aussie Matthew Helm, whom Mitcham lists as one of his idols and a former training partner. He also beat German Sascha Klein, winner of the World Cup, setting Mitcham up as a medal threat in Beijing.

Return to form
Now back after a one-year break to "recharge the batteries," Mitcham is diving better than ever. Two years ago, Mitcham decided he was sick of the sport after years of the rigid training regimen at the Australian program. When he returned, Mitcham joined Mexican coach Chava Sobrino in Sydney, and has enjoyed the more laid-back approach. The results are evident in his return to form, highlighted at the Australian diving open in January 2008, when Mitcham became the first Australian to win the 1m, 3m and 10m titles.