Tian Liang, the most popular Chinese diving prince and Olympic champion, was expelled from the national team on Wednesday for failing to concentrate on training.

Li Hua, Director of the swimming governing body of China Sport General Administration, told a press briefing here that as an Olympic champion, Tian could not concentrate on training recently and violated regulations and disciplines of the national team many times.

Tian Liang, 25, has always been the diving fans' sweetheart with his heart-throbbing smile and handsome looking. He bagged a gold medal on the men's platform in the Sydney Olympics and grabbed the doubles' title on the platform in Athens. Losing the defending campaign in Athens on the singles glory to teammate Hu Jia did not dent his popularity a little bit.

"Tian asked for a half-year leave after the Athens Olympic Games, which was approved. However, he indulged in a series of commercial activities and did not get approval from the sports authorities." Li noted.