Chinese diving coach honored in Mexico

Chinese diving coach Ma Jin Wedenesday received Order of the Aztec Eagle as a reward for her 10-year training efforts and leading Mexico divers to Olympic podium.

The Order of the Aztec Eagle Ma received from Mexican Foreign Minister Patricia Espinosa is the highest decoration awarded to foreigners in Mexico. It is given by the office of the foreign minister on the instructions of a Council established for this purpose headed by the president.

According to the Mexican Foreign Ministry, Ma's hard work "has consolidated diving discipline as one of the most prestigious achievements for Mexico."

"It is a privilege to give this award to Ma Jin, for all she has done for the sport and for having the sensitive work for Mexico," Espinosa said in a brief speech during the ceremony.

Ma Jin, who arrived in 2003 on a sports cooperation agreement between Mexico and China, said that it was an important day for her as her work was recognized.

"It is my honor and I'm proud to receive this, I thank this country and President Felipe Calderon for their support. This means something big for me, because I have done for 10 years and it is worthy," Ma said.

The Chinese coach, who turned Paola Espinosa into one of the world's best divers for winning two Olympic medals in Beijing 2008 and London 2012, said that this motivates her a lot.

"I'm proud to be Chinese and working with much love for Mexico," she said.

Ma was the fourth foreign coach given this award following Ronald Johnson, who brought the Mexican swimming team to glory in the 1960s, the Serbian football coach Bora Milutinovic and Polish track and field coach Jerzy Hauleber.

Mexico's first lady Margarita Zavala, the Sports Minister Bernardo de la Garza and Ma Jin's families and students also attended the ceremony.