For most athletes, qualifying for the Olympic Games from one nation is enough to satisfy their dreams. However, one country and one trip to the Olympics was not enough for U.S. Table Tennis star Gao Jun (Gaithersburg, Md.), who has worn the colors of two nations in the Olympic Games.

After competing for China and winning a silver medal in women’s doubles at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Jun, 35, immigrated to the U.S. and moved to Maryland with her then husband. In 2000, following a several year hiatus from the sport, Jun returned to the Olympic Games in Sydney, this time sporting the Red, White and Blue of Team USA.

Now, on the eve of her third Olympics, Jun is ready to take U.S. Table Tennis to the next level. She stunned the international table tennis world in 2003 when she became the first American since 1959 to reach the quarterfinals of the singles competition at the World Championship in Paris and the first U.S. woman to accomplish the feat since 1949.

“I never thought I could make the quarterfinals in the World Championships,” Jun said. “There are so many good players in the world, especially from China, Hong Kong, Korea and Europe. It is tough, especially at my age, which is pretty old for this sport.”

Add two gold medals from the 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo, a top 20 international ranking, selection as U.S. Table Tennis Female Athlete of the Year, and wins over reigning World Champion Wang Nan (No. 2 in the world) of China and Tamara Boros (No. 8 in the world) of Croatia at the Volkswagen Women’s World Cup in Hong Kong in December, and Jun has a lot to be proud of from the year that just concluded.

“I think it is because I had a chance to practice more,” explained Jun of her success in 2003. “I am living in China, studying economic trade at Eastern China University in Shanghai, which gives me the opportunity to practice with some high-level players. When I would stay in the U.S., it was hard for me to find a practice partner. I worked every day and by the time I got home I would be very tired.”

Gao Jun was born in Boading, China, on January 25, 1969. She first picked up a paddle at the tender age of five, encouraged to play by her father, Daan. Even at such a young age, Jun’s parents realized her potential and enrolled her in a sports school where she practiced for two hours a day. By age 12, she earned a spot on her province team, the natural progression of child protégés in China. Around that same time, Jun’s family moved to northern China while she remained with her team to train.

“When my parents moved away, I was okay,” said Jun of the transition. “It was not that difficult for me because a lot of my friends were on the team.”

At 17, Jun earned a spot on the Chinese national team, training with the best table tennis players in a country that is world-renown for its table tennis athletes. Six years later, Jun attended her first Olympics and captured a silver medal in doubles play.

“I was very disappointed we did not win the gold medal,” Jun remarked. “The gold medal match was very close. My partner and I just beat the same team for the gold medal in the 1991 World Championships.”

Following the Barcelona Games, Jun traveled to the U.S. for the first time to compete and met and married an American. Jun, focused on her new husband, left competitive table tennis for a brief period in the mid-1990s.

Jun’s impact was immediately felt upon her return to competitive table tennis, this time competing under the Stars and Stripes.

“There is a big difference in table tennis between China and the U.S. In China, a lot of people play and are very serious about it. In the U.S., a lot of people play too, but they play for fun, more like a basement sport.”

She claimed the U.S. singles and doubles championships in 1996 and did not relinquish the titles for five years. Now, Jun is preparing to represent the United States in the Olympic Games for the second time.

“I am happy to play for the U.S.,” commented Jun. “After I retired from the Chinese National Team, I thought my career was done. I am grateful for the opportunity to play for the U.S. and I hope I can win a medal for the U.S.”

By winning at the Pan American Games, Jun has already earned an automatic North American qualifier spot in both singles and doubles at Athens this summer. How does Jun feel about her chances against the world’s best?

“It’s hard to say. I will have to practice very hard to get ready for the Olympics. I think I have a chance to get in the quarterfinals, maybe even into the medal round. It is difficult to win a medal. For me, it’s very hard to beat the high-level players. This is my last chance, so I will try my best.”

One thing is certain. Gao Jun represents the best chance the U.S. has ever had to put an American on the Olympic Games medal podium.