Gold galore: Diving delivers seven of eight for China at Olympic Games
Wu Minxia claims a fifth title of her career in Rio de Janeiro, while 15-year-old Ren Qian and unheralded Chen Aisen help the mainland underline their superpower status
In part one of the Post’s look at China’s 26 gold medal haul at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro ahead of this weekend’s visit to Hong Kong of a 64-strong delegation, diving is the first under the microscope after Team China claimed victory in seven of the eight diving events.
Wu Minxia and Shi Tingmao - Diving - Women’s 3m synchronised
Shi Tingmao (Left) and Wu Minxia. Photo: AP
Wu more than likely ended her Olympic odyssey on a high, winning her fifth gold medal, this time with Shi Tingmao, who was making her Games debut. “We did a good job.” Shi said: “We work together and can resolve any problems we come across.” Wu became the most successful Chinese women’s athlete in Olympic history and is also the first diver to win gold at four successive Games. “I never expected I could hang in there for such a long time,” she said. “It’s not easy but we share the same dream and work together under the same belief.”
Lin Yue and Chen Aisen - Diving - Men’s 10m synchronised
Lin Yue (left) and Chen Aisen. Photo: AP
Lin collected his second gold after victory in this same event at Beijing 2008. “I have been working for this [gold medal] for a long time, and even though I triumphed at the Beijing Games, the feeling is still fresh,” said Lin. “I have been eager to do it again [winning the gold medal] and could hardly believe it.” The result came as little surprise as the pair had won all five qualification competitions. An excited Chen said: “I have realised my childhood dream. This gold medal means a lot to me.”
Chen Ruolin and Liu Xuixia - Diving - Women’s 10m synchronised
Liu Huixia and Chen Ruolin. Photo: AP
Chen, a three-time Olympian, hinted she might quit after joining fellow diver Wu Minxia as the only Chinese female athletes with five Olympic golds alongside men’s gymnast Zhou Kai. “I have had to overcome a lot of injury problems and it’s not easy,” said Chen. “This was my most exciting competition over these years and the pressure was enormous, even much more than in Beijing in 2008.” Teenager Liu was thankful to have a partner like Chen. “She is like an older sister and has helped me achieve this,” she said.
