BEIJING, Mar. 10 -- Shifting the spotlight from her media-frenzied romance, Chinese diving Olympian Guo Jingjing is in New York to present her image to US-based McDonald's latest campaign, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

    

Guo Jingjing (L) greets guests present at McDonald's promotional event in New York, March 9, 2005. [cns]

Guo was among a strong line-up of athletes from all around the world, including figures like world-renowned hockey player Wayne Gretzky, US swimmer Janet Evans, and Brazil Gymnast hopeful Diego Hypolito.

    Chinese NBA center Yao Ming was also enlisted alongside Guo as the Chinese presenters by the world largest restaurant chain, but he failed to participate in the Tuesday event held at New York's Times Square.

    At the event, Guo, wearing her symbolic red sports wear, greeted the guests in simple English and later recommended a balanced and active life style in Chinese according to the event's theme.

    Guo revealed she frequents to McDonald's in China and added that she hasn't gained lots of weight on the often-criticized diet provided by Mcdonald's due to regular daily exercises.

    The New York trip, not her first, would last four days, said the Chinese diving queen, who will soon dive back into hard training to get prepared for domestic and international games set in April and May.

    When asked about her plan for the coming 2008 Beijing Olympics she showed extraordinary confidence, saying, "It's a rare opportunity for me as the Olympics will be held in Beijing and I'll surely try my best to seize it."

(Source: China Daily)