Hong Kong: China, renowned for its diving prowess, has set its sights on sweeping all diving golds at the upcoming Summer Games in Paris, aiming to replicate the feat last achieved by the United States in 1952. At the last two Olympics, China clinched seven out of eight diving gold medals, setting a formidable standard for the competition.
While Chinese divers maintained their dominance at the initial world championships post-Tokyo Olympics, the recent Qatar event saw some golds captured by other nations, offering a glimmer of hope to their rivals. However, China will field a formidable team at the Paris Aquatics Centre from July 27 to August 10, bolstered by a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents.
Leading the charge is Quan Hongchan, who became a national sensation in China after securing gold in Tokyo at just 14 years old. Her primary challenger for the women’s 10m platform title is expected to be teammate Chen Yuxi, the silver medallist from the previous Olympics. The duo, dubbed China’s “double insurance”, are poised to compete for both synchronized and individual gold medals.
“It doesn’t matter which of us gets the gold,” Quan told local media in May.” remarked Quan in an interview with local media. “As long as it is China’s, it’s okay.”
In the women’s 3m springboard, world number one Chen Yiwen has dominated this year, except for an upset in Doha where teammate Chang Yani secured gold. Chang, recovering from a shoulder injury, faces uncertainties that could impact her performance alongside Chen in synchronized events.
The men’s competitions promise fierce rivalry for the Chinese divers. Yang Hao, with numerous global and regional titles to his credit since 2023, is a strong contender in the 10m platform, alongside synchronized partner Lian Junjie. Defending champion Cao Yuan, set for his fourth Olympics, anticipates tougher competition in the individual event.
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“It will be my fourth Olympics. This time it will be more challenging,” noted Cao in an interview earlier this year.
In synchronized events, Yang and Lian will face off against British veteran Tom Daley, returning from retirement with new partner Noah Williams. Daley, making history as the first British diver at five Summer Olympics, has already shown prowess with recent silver and gold medals in international competitions.
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In the men’s 3m springboard, China’s Wang Zongyuan, dominant in major events this year, will contend for both individual and synchronized honors. Mexican diver Osmar Olvera, who clinched the 1m springboard gold in Doha, aims to challenge Wang’s supremacy in Paris after finishing second in several world series events.
The stage is set for intense competition as divers from around the world converge in Paris, each vying for Olympic glory in one of the most prestigious aquatic sports.
