Huang Qiang and Mun Yee will be 34 and 32, respectively, then but have vowed to soldier on.

Huang Qiang competed in his first Olympics in London recently after a back injury cost him a spot in the China team for the 2000 Sydney edition.

The Fujian-born diver, who also coaches the national back-up squad, however, failed to draw inspiration from his previous victories with Bryan Nickson Lomas by finishing eight in the men's 3m springboard synchro and 19th in the individual discipline in London.

As for Mun Yee, who competed in her fourth straight Olympics, she finished sixth with Pandelela Rinong in the women's 10m platform synchro.

National coach Yang Zhuliang said both divers will remain in the national team as long they remain competitive.

"I still need them as our back-up divers are still not good enough for senior-level competitions. We do not have options in the senior squad," said Zhuliang yesterday.

"They are not too old to try out for another Olympics as I've seen many divers in their 30s competing in major events."

"However, anything could happen in the next four years as I may have more options then as I intend to groom the back-up divers."

Mun Yee may also decide to take a short break from diving to complete her degree in communication, which she has deferred since 2005, at Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) secretary Edwin Chong said Mun Yee should complete her studies first.

"Education is important as Mun Yee needs something to fall back on after diving.

"Her former teammates have completed their studies unlike Mun Yee, who is still in her first year," said Chong.

Meanwhile, the national divers -- except for Pandelela who has been given a two-week break -- will return to the pool on Wednesday to prepare for the Asian Aquatic Championships, on Nov 22-25 in Dubai.

Zhuliang said he will be sending his strongest squad for the event.

"I will only send the seniors unless the back-up squad divers do well in training," added Zhuliang. By Ajitpal Singh