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CHONGQING, China, Sept.14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese diver Shi Tingmao secured two gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics last month. Now the 24-year-old athlete has returned her hometown of Chongqing, not only to recuperate, but above all, for a family reunion.
Shi attended an ceremony held in Chongqing on Wednesday morning. The modest athlete credited her Olympic gold medals to both her family and her team. "I could not have endured that much pain without my team and my family," she said.
The traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on Thursday this year, is celebrated by families reuniting under the full moon and eating mooncakes. The festival embodies one of the most important values for Chinese people: familial togetherness.
So it is no surprise that Shi looks forward to being with her family during the upcoming three-day festival. She says her gold medals are the best present she could hope to give her family. "I will spend time with my parents, relaxing and recuperating," she says.
Shi began gymnastics training at the age of 5. Three years later, she was selected by a coach of a local diving team and has since focused on the high board discipline.
Shi has won gold at many major international competitions, achieving a decorated sports career and glory for her home country.
In addition to titles from the World Aquatics Championships in 2011, 2013 and 2015, Shi also claimed the Diving World Cup title in 2013 and 2016.
The road has not always been easy. Due to extended and intensive training, Shi suffers from back pain caused by lumbar disc herniation. Despite this, Shi will participate in the National Games next year.
In Rio, Shi won gold in both the women's 3m springboard final and the 3m synchronized final.
