The world's top divers have gathered in Fort Lauderdale for the Speedo USA Diving Grand Prix competition, which started Thursday and will end Sunday.

Divers include 16 medalists from the 2004 Olympics and the 2005 World Championships, like Laura Wilkinson, who was the 2005 world champion and the gold medalist in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

At 29, Wilkinson is considered one of the grand old dames of platform diving. But the Houston, TX native has been tinkering with some new tricks to try to fight off the ravages of Father Time.

Since January Wilkinson has added three new dives to her repertoire, a back 3 1/2 somersault pike, a reverse 3 1/2 tuck and a back 2 1/2 somersault with a 2 1/2 twist pike.

"Part of it was just that I thought I could do more," she said. "I was playing with lead-ups for the other two. I'm surprising myself at the age I'm at."

This is Wilkinson's first international competition of the season, and she is using it as a test to prepare her for the World Cup in China in July.

"It's definitely going to be good," she said. "It's the best divers."

Among those competing at this week's event will be Chinese divers Li Ting, Jia Tong and Wu Minxia, who between them own two Olympic gold medals and a World Championship gold. Olympic bronze medalist Emily Heymans of Canada won the FINA Grand Prix Canada Cup last week and is another strong favorite to compete for the title.

Wilkinson is hoping to qualify for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, which might be her competitive swan song. But her goal remains the same: "I want to be winning," she said. "I dream big."

Another American diver on hand with Olympic experience is 2004 Olympian and Loudonville, NY native Cassandra Cardinell.

Cardinell placed third in last week's event, which has given her more confidence heading into this meet. And it's a chance for her to work on her routine as she tries to qualify for her second Olympics.

"I think every competition is a great time to rehearse your meet routine," she said. "These are the same divers I'm going to see at the big events."

Cardinell is a former gymnast who took to diving competitively 12 years ago. Now enrolled at Indiana University, she is pursuing her Master's degree in telecommunications. Cardinell knows she can't swim forever, and at 24 the end might be nearing.

"The 10 meters does a number on your body," she said. "I've been very fortunate. I've only had minor injuries to my wrist and back."

The Speedo USA Diving Grand Prix is the only meet on the FINA circuit that takes place on American soil. Competition will be conducted in four events for the men and women: 3-meter springboard, 10-meter platform, 3-meter synchronized springboard and 10-meter synchronized platform.

The event starts at 10 a.m. each day at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex, with the finals for two events at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 2:15 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on Sunday.

Among the male divers are American and World Championship 3-meter silver medalist Troy Dumais and Chinese world champion Wang Feng.

Four-time Olympic gold medallist and 47-time U.S. national champion Greg Louganis will sign autographs from 11:30-12:30 a.m. on Saturday at the complex. Other past Olympians will be in attendance as well.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for students, military and senior citizens. Children under 5 are free. For tickets, call 954-828-4580.