Russian world diving champion and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Gleb Galperin was close to ending his career before securing passage to the London 2012 synchronized team, he told RIA Novosti on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Muscovite has been out of the sport for the last two years, suffering from the cumulative effects of undergoing eight operations on his back and knee since 2006.
"I was sick and tired of those injuries and thought of quitting," said Galperin. "I have not done that only thanks to the support of my family and coaches. Now I dream to qualify for the London Games.
Galperin, who won solo bronze in the Beijing 10 meter platform and also a synchronized bronze with teammate Dmitry Dobroskok, missed the two last years of competitions including the 2011 World Acquatics Championships in Shanghai.
He had back surgery in 2009 and 2010, and in between went under the knife again after an old ankle injury flared up.
He won golds at back-to-back world championships in 2005 in Montreal and 2007 in Melbourne.
Galperin will represent Russia again in the synchronized event in London but must qualify to take part in the solo competition at the Russian championships in St. Petersburg next week.
The London Games are July 27 through August 12.
