Tao Li puts on her game face

PICTURE: STRAITS TIMES

SHE SLIPPED out of the crowded pool and walked straight to her bag by the side of the Aquatics Centre competition pool, oblivious to all that was going on around her.

Just before she disappeared into the tunnel after an hour-long training session here yesterday morning, I called out to Tao Li from the stands, asking if it was all good.

The 22-year-old butterfly sprint specialist did not utter a word, simply nodding and giving a slight smile, acknowledging my thumbs-up.

Today, at 5.34pm (Singapore time), she begins her quest for a historic Olympic swim medal in Heat No. 4, Lane 8, of the women’s 100m butterfly.