THE diving trials for the 2008 Olympics were held in Hefei, Anhui Province on October 23. Diver Zhou Lüxin finished first in the 10-meter platform event. Gabe and his friend Wang are talking about the event.

Gabe: Hey, Wang, do you want to go for a swim later today?

Wang: You know I'm afraid of water.

Gabe: Come on, man! Did you see Zhou Lüxin in Hefei? He attacked the water from his 10-meter platform. That's what you need to do – attack the water. Enter it with confidence, not fear.

Wang: Oh, sure. Just jump in and let it swallow me whole. That's like inviting a death wish.

Gabe: Oh, you'll be fine. I used to be just like you – scared to death of the water. But then my dad began luring me into the water by promising to give me $5 if I tried to swim. In no time, I became a good swimmer and about 30 bucks richer.

Wang: So are you going to give me $5 to swim with you today?

Gabe: No, but I'll teach you the secret to Zhou's success.

Wang: I know: Attack the water. You already told me.

Gabe: No, that's not the secret. That's just a rule that every swimmer needs to know. You'll have to get into the water with me to learn their secret.

Wang: No thanks. My phobia of water is just too much for you to conquer with a simple motivational speech.

Gabe: Did I mention that there are some pretty girls who swim with me every day?

Wang: Well, OK. Just this once I'll come with you. But I'm only going to sit on the side of the pool with my feet in the water.

Gabe: Oh yeah? We'll see…

diving trial: 跳水?稳?

10-meter platform event: 10米跳台项目。

go for a swim: 去游会儿泳。比go swimming更口语，暗示游泳时间并不一定很长。类似的表达有：go for a walk (去散个步)。

invite a death wish: 自寻死路。death wish: 求死的愿望。

be scared to death of: 被……吓得要死。

I was scared to death of her harsh tone. (我被她那么严厉的腔调给吓死了。)

lure: 引诱。

buck: (口语)美元。

phobia for water: 恐水症。

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