Diving ties them together one more time, and even closer to each other, on the pool deck.

The Story from Marie-Eve Marleau's Perspective

A two-time Pan American Games champion for Canada, Marleau now works as the Sports Manager of Diving and High Diving for World Aquatics. 

"I feel quite privileged to be back in Xi'an after 23 years. I remember of course visiting the Terra Cotta Army but mostly, I was so impressed with the Chinese divers. As a young Canadian diver, the Diving Grand Prix Xi'an 2000 was my first international competition. Being the best nation in the world in my sport, it was quite intimidating to be around these star divers.

"At the time, communication with the Chinese team was difficult as well because of the language barrier. We were able to exchange a few smiles here and there and by the end of my time in China, I felt quite comfortable," Marleau added. "Little that I knew, this was the start of a long-term relationship."

Fast forward to 23 years later and Marleau is now working for World Aquatics and on a plane from Beijing to Xi'an. After more than 20 hours of travel and lack of sleep, the landing had started on the grounds in Xi'an.

"Surprisingly enough, I had this feeling of being at home somehow. I got up to exit the plane and I heard my name. 'Marie-Eve, Marie-Eve. Hi, this is Li Na.'

"Li Na was the one who dove during my time. Much better than me, such a graceful athlete," Marleau recalled. "She told me that I had not changed after all these years. I had to look up at results to remember what happened in 2000. Li Na was 3rd, I was 13th. We went on to talk and talk more.

"We have been hanging out on the pool deck, had a traditional dinner in the old town and a walk around," Marleau added. "I am so amazed by our relationship. Her English is now perfect. We can exchange words, and catch up on our lives and all that we have been going through since our retirements (in 2005 for both Marleau and Li). But her smile remains the same – and I am thankful for it.

"This is what sport is all about. Who you meet along the way, the relationships that transcend results on the field of play. The stories being told."

The Story from Li Na's Eyes 

A gold and silver medallist from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, Li Na is now the Vice-Dean of the Chinese College of Swimming Sports at the Beijing Sports University.

"I am so glad to see Marie-Eve again after so many years," Li Na said.  I have never expected to meet her on the same flight, same city destination Xi'an for the same mission: working for the Diving World Cup. Diving is the common language that we used to be rivals competing with each other on the platform and now work together on the pool deck." 

With Marleau managing the sports of diving and high diving in World Aquatic, Li Na was at the Xi'an event as a member of the World Aquatics Diving Technical Committee and working as a referee for the World Cup. 

"I remembered Marie-Eve and many other divers when I was a diver, but I couldn't speak English and communicate with them during international events," Li Na recalled. "Fortunately, I was invited by the British Olympic Committee for a two-year study at the University of Leeds from 2010 to 2012. It is like a feeling that I open a new angle of life and feel free to talk with diving friends all over the world since then. I enjoyed the spare time together Marie-Eve, walking around downtown and sharing our experience in work and life.

"I believe that diving is my genes and my life. I would like to offer my efforts to make our sport more popular in the world."