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Loukas Falls Short At Olympics

LONDON (CBS) – Christina Loukas fell short of winning a medal Sunday at the Olympics. The Riverwoods-native finished eighth in the finals of the Women's 3-meter Springboard in London.

Wu Mingxia of China won the gold. Zi Hi of China won the Silver and Laura Sanchez Soto of Mexico won the bronze. Loukas posted a score of 332.10 behind the gold medal score of 414.00, the silver score of 379.20 and the bronze at 362.40.

This was the second Olympics for Loukas, 26, whose family owns the Cubby Bear in Chicago. Her goal had been winning the gold but the competition was intense with China dominating diving events.

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"I was Olympian and that's something that can never be taken away from me now. I'll never forget it," said Loukas. "Going to the Olympics was amazing."

Loukas finished ninth in Beijing in 2009 and has been on the national team since 2005. She finished fourth at the 2011 World Championships.

"Being able to compete among the best divers and best athletes in the world, walking through Opening Ceremonies and just to be part of that was such an honor to be representing the USA," she said.

Loukas travelled to London with a large group of friends and family. Her "Team Chicago" included a group of 20-25 people including her parents George and Patty, sister Stacey and brothers Nick and Kosta, aunts, uncles and her 80-year-old grandmother. She had even more fans back here in Chicago.

"I didn't realize how much support I had from people back home, my family, my friends and friends and of friends. It was just a great feeling knowing that no matter whatever I did, I had people supporting me," Loukas said.

Before leaving for London, Loukas told WBBM Newsradio that the stress and pressure had taken its toll on her leading up to this year's competition. After London, she planned to take time off from diving and regroup.

"It's been a rough rode just getting to this one. I was really burnt out about half way through and ended up taking a step back from the sport and taking some time off. I guess I will do the same thing this time around, maybe take off a year or two and play it by ear," she said.

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