Loukas nominated as 1 of 20 candidates for Olympic spot

In 2004, diver Sara Hildebrand gave IU its lone representation on the pinnacle athletic stage in the Athens Olympic games. Sophomore Christina Loukas hopes to partake in a local passing of the torch by representing IU in the 2008 games. Her first step toward that honor came last week when the Olympic Medal Program selected her to join 19 other distinguished divers for a chance to represent the United States in Beijing.\n"I am pleased that United States Diving recognizes Christina's ability and potential," IU head diving coach Jeff Huber said. "She has everything it takes to become an Olympian and Olympic medalist. This is just another step in her progression to reach her dreams." \nThe Riverwoods, Ill., native had an extraordinary freshman season, winning the one-meter Big Ten title, as well as being named the Big Ten Diver of the Year and Big Ten Diver of the NCAA Championships held at Purdue University. Loukas also dove with the World Championship Team and placed sixth on an international stage.\nLoukas will play a significant role in this year's Hoosier swimming and diving program, and her coaches expect to see improvements from her breakout freshman season. Loukas has already set out to prove she has the determination to keep improving and reach her Olympic dream. \nShe is currently working on a brand new dive, which she hasn't seen any other female diver attempt exactly the same way. This extra trick, she hopes, will give her an edge in the upcoming season.\nDespite the often demanding load of work, Loukas feels she couldn't have picked a better place than IU. \n"When I was applying at different colleges, I was looking mostly at diving schools and IU was one of the best," she said. "And with coach Huber's experience and what he's done with other divers ... he has definitely also helped me a lot this year." \nHuber, who feels he is really beginning to bond well with Loukas, notes her amiable personality. \n"I just can't look at her without laughing," he said. "She's a great, great person, and a very unique girl... very genuine." \nLoukas and the Hoosiers will kickoff the regular season against the defending national champions of Auburn University at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Auburn. All eyes will be on Loukas now that she has propelled herself into the upper echelon of divers in the nation.\nAs for how she hopes to respond to that pressure, "Maybe I can use my new dive," Loukas said.