https://www.scmp.com/rss/518886/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Three world records in five days put Summer McIntosh in rare company, and now the 18-year-old Canadian swimming sensation is primed to take the world championships by storm. McIntosh won three gold medals at the Paris Olympics last year and then broke three world records in a breathtaking performance at the Canadian trials in June. The teenager is the first swimmer to set world records in three different individual events since Michael Phelps did it on the way to his glittering eight-gold haul... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3319274/chinese-record-under-threat-canadas-mcintosh-swimming-worlds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3319274/chinese-record-under-threat-canadas-mcintosh-swimming-worlds?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Jul 2025 15:00:08 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Jeremy Flores faced numerous challenges in the water as he carved himself a hugely successful surfing career, but nothing prepared the Frenchman for the tumultuous months that followed his retirement in 2021. Within months of stepping away from competition, Flores, the most successful male European in surfing history, was diagnosed with a brain tumour that turned his life upside down. He survived to tell the tale, after years of silence, in a new documentary, Dos au Mur (“Backs to the Wall”),... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3313347/how-champion-surfer-went-inoperable-brain-tumour-olympic-glory-leading-france?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3313347/how-champion-surfer-went-inoperable-brain-tumour-olympic-glory-leading-france?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Jun 2025 10:15:07 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Nine-time Olympic gold medallist Katie Ledecky made a blistering return to the swimming pool on Wednesday, clocking the second-fastest 1,500m freestyle in history in heats at the TYR Pro Series meeting in Florida. The 28-year-old American star, who has not raced in an elite event since last year’s Paris Olympics, touched the wall in Fort Lauderdale in a time of 15 minutes 24.51 seconds. That was just outside her own world record of 15:20.48 set in Indianapolis in 2018, and some 39.62 seconds... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3308642/olympic-great-katie-ledecky-scorches-second-fastest-1500m-time-her-return-pool?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3308642/olympic-great-katie-ledecky-scorches-second-fastest-1500m-time-her-return-pool?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 May 2025 05:30:07 +0000 The addition of six new swimming events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics was described as “an amazing decision” by Britain’s Adam Peaty as he announced his intention to compete at a fourth Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) ratified a move that will see the 50-metre backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke all contested for the first time. Previously, only freestyle was raced over the sport’s shortest distance despite all four strokes being on the schedule at world... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3306003/los-angeles-2028-olympics-remaining-50-metre-events-added-swimming-programme?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3306003/los-angeles-2028-olympics-remaining-50-metre-events-added-swimming-programme?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:44:53 +0000 Stephanie Au Hoi-shun has said she will represent Hong Kong at the World Aquatics Championships and the National Games in 2025 after question marks over her future. The veteran of five Olympic Games told the Post that, while she has not retired from competitive sport, she has enjoyed the “different direction” life had taken after a break from competing following the Paris Olympics. The 32-year-old previously said Paris would be her last Olympics and, after the qualification window shut, said she... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3292586/hong-kong-olympian-stephanie-au-eyes-world-championships-national-games-spots-2025?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3292586/hong-kong-olympian-stephanie-au-eyes-world-championships-national-games-spots-2025?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Dec 2024 04:00:17 +0000 Hong Kong’s most decorated athlete, Siobhan Haughey, has begun her quest to become a five-time world champion at the World Aquatics Swimming Championships in Budapest on Wednesday, winning her 100 metres freestyle heat in a time of 52.12 seconds. Haughey, the second fastest overall in the heats, will race in the semi-final at 12.48am on Thursday. The 2021 short-course world champion in the event is expected to progress to the final, which takes place at 12.32am on Friday, Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3290370/world-swimming-championships-hong-kongs-siobhan-haughey-begins-bid-5th-world-title?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3290370/world-swimming-championships-hong-kongs-siobhan-haughey-begins-bid-5th-world-title?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:19:31 +0000 Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle said foreign athletes at the Paris Olympics “acted like they didn’t care about medals” but had a “breakdown” when they saw Chinese rivals atop the podium. Pan, the world record holder and Olympic champion in the men’s 100 metres freestyle, said he had to use his win to make people recognise that any athlete could win fairly and cleanly. The 20-year-old made history in the French capital with his exploits in the pool, but the Chinese team arrived on the back of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3289445/pan-zhanle-says-rivals-didnt-care-about-olympic-medals-had-breakdown-china-golds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3289445/pan-zhanle-says-rivals-didnt-care-about-olympic-medals-had-breakdown-china-golds?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Dec 2024 05:00:08 +0000 World record holder Pan Zhanle is still struggling to come to terms with his new-found fame, three months after winning gold for China at the Paris Olympics. Speaking after winning the 100 metres freestyle at the Swimming World Cup in Singapore on Friday – his first competition since winning Olympic gold in the same event – Pan said he did not think he would ever get used to being one of his country’s biggest stars. The world’s fastest swimmer also said he hoped the Chinese fans who came to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3284942/swimming-world-cup-ill-never-get-used-being-star-says-olympic-champion-pan-zhanle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3284942/swimming-world-cup-ill-never-get-used-being-star-says-olympic-champion-pan-zhanle?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 03 Nov 2024 04:00:10 +0000 Siobhan Haughey will take a three- to four-month break at the end of the year to evaluate her future and consider whether she wants to represent Hong Kong at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Haughey, who won two bronze medals at the Paris Games this summer, said she faced a “major decision” and wanted to take enough of a break to “figure out what’s best for me”. The Hongkonger, who turns 27 on Thursday, is currently competing in the Swimming World Cup, which comes to an end in Singapore on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3284401/siobhan-haughey-facing-major-decision-future-take-months-long-break-swimming?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3284401/siobhan-haughey-facing-major-decision-future-take-months-long-break-swimming?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:30:07 +0000 Despite being on a temporary break from competition, swimmer Camille Cheng Lily-mei has remained active since representing Hong Kong at the Paris Olympics, pushing forward with her mental health advocacy work and confirming she will deliver a TED talk in the city in December. The 31-year-old was part of the women’s 4x100 metres freestyle relay team in Paris, but has not joined her teammates at this month’s World Aquatics Swimming World Cup in Shanghai, Incheon and Singapore. However, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3283471/hong-kong-olympian-cheng-taking-mental-health-break-focus-youth-charity-outreach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3283471/hong-kong-olympian-cheng-taking-mental-health-break-focus-youth-charity-outreach?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:30:08 +0000 Swimming Australia (SA) has sacked coach Michael Palfrey after he triggered a media storm at the Paris Olympics by saying he hoped a South Korean athlete would beat his Australian rivals at the Games. Palfrey, one of the Australian swim team’s Olympic coaches, told media days before the Games that he hoped world champion Kim Woo-min would win the men’s 400 metres freestyle in which Australia’s Sam Short and Elijah Winnington were also contenders. Olympic swimming coaches are often freelancers... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3277487/australia-sack-swimming-coach-michael-palfrey-backing-south-korean-rival-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3277487/australia-sack-swimming-coach-michael-palfrey-backing-south-korean-rival-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Sep 2024 08:29:31 +0000 The Paris Olympics drew 30.6 million viewers daily. And under the glow of the City of Light, athletes were launched further into the social media stratosphere. So here’s 15 athletes who gained the most followers through the Games, with Brazilian athletes in particular benefiting. Rebeca Andrade View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rebeca Andrade🤍🦋 (@rebecarandrade) Gymnast Andrade, Brazil’s most decorated Olympian, collected four medals in Paris... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274438/olympic-stars-biggest-instagram-follower-boom-simone-biles-stephen-curry-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274438/olympic-stars-biggest-instagram-follower-boom-simone-biles-stephen-curry-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:00:16 +0000 With special ceremonies and official launches for team kits, Olympic athletes take their look seriously. And even more so in 2024 with the Games taking place in one of the fashion capitals of the world. From striking team uniforms to dazzling personal style, there were plenty of fashion statements throughout the Summer Olympics. And here are some of our favourites. Best team uniform Just go ahead and give them them the🥇now for best uniform! 🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/6sOfMdt8Uo — Michael Johnson... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274281/paris-olympics-fashion-statements-turkish-south-korean-shooters-bright-trunks-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274281/paris-olympics-fashion-statements-turkish-south-korean-shooters-bright-trunks-and-more?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:00:12 +0000 Former Olympic gold medallist Tom Daley announced his retirement from diving on Monday following the Paris Games. Daley, who won five Olympic medals during his decorated career, revealed the decision to call time on the sport during an interview with British Vogue. The 30-year-old bowed out after winning silver in the Olympic men’s synchronised 10m platform in France, having clinched the gold medal in the same event at the Tokyo Games three years ago. “I have to make the decision at some point,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274235/paris-olympics-former-gold-medallist-tom-daley-retires-diving-tells-vogue-time-was-right?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274235/paris-olympics-former-gold-medallist-tom-daley-retires-diving-tells-vogue-time-was-right?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Aug 2024 14:02:57 +0000 The Olympic Games offer a platform for some of the world’s most fierce competition, but amid the scraps and the tussles, Paris also made us cheer for humanity itself. There were moments that transcended the results on score sheets and the shattered records. Whether it was patriotic gestures or acts of sportsmanship, these five heartwarming moments in Paris will leave you with a smile on your face. Respect your rival A gut-wrenching twist of fate transpired in the women’s badminton singles... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3274103/paris-olympics-top-5-heartwarming-moments-pan-zhanle-biles-and-rappers-paying-rent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3274103/paris-olympics-top-5-heartwarming-moments-pan-zhanle-biles-and-rappers-paying-rent?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Aug 2024 07:00:55 +0000 An Olympic gold holds the weight of, well an Olympic gold, but adding a touch of flair and suspense to them does no harm. In a city revered for its arts and theatre, plenty of athletes created masterpieces of their own on the canvas of an Olympic arena. Whether they caused you to squint or shout at your screens, here are five of those edge-of-your-seat finishes that turned Olympic dreams to reality in the most dramatic fashion. Pandemonium on the piste How do you top a fencing final decided by... https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3274102/cheung-ka-longs-gold-pans-record-time-and-chinas-bad-maths-5-dramatic-olympic-moments?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/basketball/article/3274102/cheung-ka-longs-gold-pans-record-time-and-chinas-bad-maths-5-dramatic-olympic-moments?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Aug 2024 06:00:20 +0000 The Paris Olympics not only dazzled with world-class athleticism but also kept viewers on the edge of their seats with some captivating storylines. As with all sporting events, the athletes’ performances are just one element, and this year’s Games have been rich with narratives that transcend the sports themselves. If you’re suffering from some sporting withdrawal, here are five storylines that defined the Paris Olympics to reminisce over. Doping controversy Tensions between China and the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274098/suffering-paris-olympics-withdrawal-here-are-5-storylines-defined-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274098/suffering-paris-olympics-withdrawal-here-are-5-storylines-defined-games?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Aug 2024 01:00:19 +0000 China claimed their first gold medal in the duet artistic swimming event at the Paris Olympics on Saturday, as the Wang twins did just enough to hold off three other pairs of sisters fighting for the title. China also won the team artistic swimming event on Wednesday, making them the new dominant force in the sport. Russia have won the most gold medals in artistic swimming but were excluded from Paris in the wake of their invasion of Ukraine. Britain and the Netherlands won their first medals in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274051/paris-olympics-wang-twins-win-chinas-first-artistic-swimming-gold-duet-event?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274051/paris-olympics-wang-twins-win-chinas-first-artistic-swimming-gold-duet-event?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Aug 2024 05:00:11 +0000 Cao Yuan said he was “confident” China could repel the ferocious challenge of arch-rivals the United States and finish top of the Olympic medal table in Paris. On Saturday, diver Cao claimed a fourth gold from four Games to cement his legacy as one of China’s greatest Olympians. Cao’s success, coupled with women’s team table tennis gold, meant China won every medal available from both of those sports. With golds in men’s weightlifting and women’s rhythmic gymnastics, artistic swimming and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274036/paris-olympics-diving-champion-cao-yuan-backs-china-fend-us-medal-scrap?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274036/paris-olympics-diving-champion-cao-yuan-backs-china-fend-us-medal-scrap?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Aug 2024 00:30:08 +0000 China completed clean sweeps in table tennis and diving in Paris yesterday, making history in the latter as the most successful country ever in the sport at the Olympics. On another golden day in the French capital, there was success too for weightlifter Liu Huanhua and in the women’s rhythmic gymnastics, taking the country’s overall number to 37, just one fewer than the team won in Tokyo three years ago, and four more than the United States had at one point last night. Pre-Games predictions had... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274030/paris-olympics-table-tennis-diving-sweeps-china-beat-medal-forecast-race-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3274030/paris-olympics-table-tennis-diving-sweeps-china-beat-medal-forecast-race-us?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Aug 2024 16:27:36 +0000 It’s nearly over, but that doesn’t mean things slow down. Day 15 sees huge names in global sport looking to add Olympic gold – or in some cases more Olympic gold – to their medal collection. Women’s football will say goodbye to arguably its greatest-ever player, but will it be a happy farewell? Meanwhile, China’s table tennis domination shows no sign of stopping and is likely to continue. So let’s take a look at what’s happening with all times, as usual, specified as HKT. Not a sprint Strap... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273992/paris-olympics-us-basketball-gold-marathon-golf-and-more-5-things-know-day-15?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273992/paris-olympics-us-basketball-gold-marathon-golf-and-more-5-things-know-day-15?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Aug 2024 04:30:08 +0000 Chen Yiwen claimed diving gold, the men’s table tennis team defended their crown, and China kept pace with fellow sporting superpower USA in the race for Olympic medal table supremacy on another gripping day in Paris. Chen’s masterclass on the 3-metres springboard earned China their seventh gold from seven events at the Paris Aquatics Centre, with the expectation of an eighth to come on Saturday. China’s men were similarly imposing at the South Paris Arena, where Fan Zhendong, Wang Chuqin and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273975/china-and-usa-battling-olympic-games-medal-supremacy-diving-gold-chen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273975/china-and-usa-battling-olympic-games-medal-supremacy-diving-gold-chen?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Aug 2024 16:40:58 +0000 Mexico’s Osmar Olvera has been one of the biggest threats to Chinese diving dominance at the Paris Olympics and behind the wonder boy’s rise is a coach from Beijing. At one stage, the 20-year-old from Mexico City looked like scuppering China’s hopes of a gold medal sweep in Paris, but ultimately had to settle for a silver and bronze in the men’s synchronised and individual 3-metre springboard respectively. Ma Jin, 56, has been coaching Mexican divers for 21 years since being sent to Latin... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273966/paris-olympics-chinese-tough-love-works-wonders-mexicos-new-diving-sensation-olvera?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273966/paris-olympics-chinese-tough-love-works-wonders-mexicos-new-diving-sensation-olvera?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Aug 2024 13:35:50 +0000 Two weeks deep and there are still new things to look forward to. But as we say hello to some sports, we say goodbye to others with various gold medals decided. There’s also a little controversy for good measure with men’s water polo set for 1.35am only 99 per cent certain to include Hungary as Croatia’s opponents. Italy are still waiting to hear whether their appeal over some of the refereeing decisions in the quarter-final loss to Hungary has been successful. Ring any bells Cheung Ka-long... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3273805/paris-olympics-khelif-liu-hello-breaking-more-china-gold-5-things-know-day-14?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3273805/paris-olympics-khelif-liu-hello-breaking-more-china-gold-5-things-know-day-14?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Aug 2024 04:30:08 +0000 The head of Great Britain’s diving team in Paris said they had been playing catch up with China for a long time, but there were no plans to copy a system that has brought total domination to the sport. Chinese divers have claimed gold in all five events at the Paris Olympics so far, and are expected to complete a clean sweep over the next couple of days, with the first of those coming in the men’s 3m springboard on Thursday. Wang Zongyuan and Xie Siyi sailed into the final with significantly... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3273637/paris-olympics-chinas-diving-domination-leaves-rest-playing-catch-says-team-gb-boss?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3273637/paris-olympics-chinas-diving-domination-leaves-rest-playing-catch-says-team-gb-boss?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Aug 2024 01:00:08 +0000 The coach behind Chinese diving star Quan Hongchan has captured the spotlight on social media, after her student secured a second gold medal in Paris on Tuesday night. On Chinese social media Weibo, Chen Ruolin headlined the trending list on Wednesday morning, with related hashtags amassing almost 200 million views and 30,000 posts. “After Quan Hongchan won the gold, Chen Ruolin embraced her and discreetly wiped her tears in the corner, with her back to the camera. One glance and you can tell... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273551/paris-olympics-chen-ruolin-coach-behind-quan-hongchan-back-limelight-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273551/paris-olympics-chen-ruolin-coach-behind-quan-hongchan-back-limelight-again?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Aug 2024 08:00:10 +0000 China’s new swim sensation Pan Zhanle cannot wait to get home to spend time with his sheep, his grandfather said. The 20-year-old won two gold medals and broke his own world record in the 100 metres freestyle in Paris to become a national idol and social media favourite. But his paternal grandfather, who lives in a tiny village in Zhejiang province, said Pan prefers the quiet. “He actually likes rural life,” Pan Bohou told local media. “Every time he visited me in the past, I hardly noticed him... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273512/paris-olympics-china-star-pan-zhanle-excited-get-back-see-sheep-says-grandfather?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273512/paris-olympics-china-star-pan-zhanle-excited-get-back-see-sheep-says-grandfather?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Aug 2024 06:00:12 +0000 China’s diving queen Quan Hongchan must be getting used to the taste of gold in Paris but all she really wants is to go home and eat a traditional Chinese poached chicken. The 17-year-old beat teammate Chen Yuxi on Tuesday to claim a second-straight women’s 10 metres platform Olympic title at the Paris Aquatics Centre. She finished with 425.60 points from five dives, with Chen close behind on 420.70. It was her second gold in Paris after winning in the women’s synchronised 10m platform final... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273506/paris-olympics-chinas-gold-medal-queen-quan-hongchan-excited-brothers-bai-qie-ji?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273506/paris-olympics-chinas-gold-medal-queen-quan-hongchan-excited-brothers-bai-qie-ji?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Aug 2024 05:00:17 +0000 Not one swimmer competing at the Paris Olympics has failed a recent drugs test, that we know of, and yet the stench of doping accusations and allegations clung to La Defense Arena throughout nine days of intense competition. This was a Games where the word trimetazidine, or TMZ, was on the lips of those around the pool, as much as the names of its superstar performers: Leon Marchand, Kaylee McKeown and Pan Zhanle. What’s more, because of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (Wada) approach, this is an... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273496/doping-double-standards-and-how-tues-muddy-waters-china-row-us-over-wada?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273496/doping-double-standards-and-how-tues-muddy-waters-china-row-us-over-wada?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Aug 2024 04:00:12 +0000 Few can contest Quan Hongchan on the diving platform. At just 17, she has become China’s diving darling, whose supremacy transcends her age. Quan has amassed five world championships and, following her unrivalled spectacle in Paris, is now a three-time Olympic gold medallist. Even among China’s acclaimed diving cadre, who captured all but one gold in the 2016 and 2020 Games, Quan is on a level all her own. Her masterclass on the 10-metre platform speaks for itself, but the dictionary did not do... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273473/who-quan-hongchan-teen-diving-queen-has-3-olympic-golds-loves-eileen-gu-toys?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273473/who-quan-hongchan-teen-diving-queen-has-3-olympic-golds-loves-eileen-gu-toys?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Aug 2024 22:00:28 +0000 Allegations of doping in swimming are hardly new, and Pan Zhanle’s achievements in the 100m were bound to raise eyebrows. That they have been questioned was to be expected given the atmosphere surrounding the sport. The latest to take a swipe is Great Britain’s Adam Peaty, competing in what is almost certainly his last Summer Games. A triple Olympic gold medallist, he fell just two hundredths of a second shy of grabbing a fourth in Paris and then watched his team miss out on a medal in the 4x100... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273476/paris-olympics-who-adam-peaty-gold-medallist-accusing-china-swimmers-cheating?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273476/paris-olympics-who-adam-peaty-gold-medallist-accusing-china-swimmers-cheating?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Aug 2024 21:00:10 +0000 A tearful Quan Hongchan survived a battle royale with Chinese teammate Chen Yuxi to claim a second straight women’s 10 metre platform Olympic title at the Paris Aquatics Centre on Tuesday. The balletic 17-year-old Quan was awarded a set of perfect 10s from judges following a sublime opening dive. Any thoughts of a stroll for Quan were quickly pushed aside, as Chen dived beautifully to push her teammate all the way. Quan ultimately held her nerve to surpass the 76 she needed for gold from her... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273466/paris-olympics-tearful-quan-gives-perfect-example-why-shes-chinas-golden-girl?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273466/paris-olympics-tearful-quan-gives-perfect-example-why-shes-chinas-golden-girl?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Aug 2024 15:17:39 +0000 Dozens of medals are up for grabs in Paris on Tuesday, with a mix of classic Games staples and recent additions to the programme. If you have yet to embrace Olympic skateboarding, this is the time to do so. Its contestants are some of the Games’ youngest – and bravest. Or you can keep it traditional with the women’s 200 metres final. So here are five things you should know for day 11, with all times noted in Hong Kong time as is the norm. Too cool for school We’re not sure what we were doing at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273342/paris-olympics-lebron-11-year-olds-china-eye-diving-gold-5-things-know-day-11?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273342/paris-olympics-lebron-11-year-olds-china-eye-diving-gold-5-things-know-day-11?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:30:10 +0000 American swimming legend Michael Phelps said it would be wrong to “point the finger” at Pan Zhanle following the Chinese teenager’s devastating Olympic gold medal swim last week. Pan smashed his own world record to win 100 metres freestyle gold in Paris, but immediately found himself under fire from critics questioning the legitimacy of the 19-year-old’s 46.40 seconds effort. Phelps was one of those who appeared to cast doubt on Pan when he said he “couldn’t understand” how the teenager sliced... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273328/american-legend-phelps-will-not-point-finger-china-olympic-hero-pan-zhanle-paris?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273328/american-legend-phelps-will-not-point-finger-china-olympic-hero-pan-zhanle-paris?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Aug 2024 01:46:03 +0000 Pan Zhanle soared to the top trending charts on social media again on Monday after the China swim team made history by ending the United States’ dominance of the 4x100m medley relay to take gold. Pan produced another stunning swim in the Paris La Defense Arena to receive the best 20th birthday gift he could imagine. Starting the final leg in third place, 0.75 seconds behind the leading French team, Pan stormed past his rivals in the final 25m, clocking 45.92 in his leg with a reaction time of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273203/pan-zhanle-birthday-boy-china-end-us-64-year-unbeaten-run-4x100m-medley-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273203/pan-zhanle-birthday-boy-china-end-us-64-year-unbeaten-run-4x100m-medley-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Aug 2024 05:30:14 +0000 Great Britain’s three-time Olympic gold medallist Adam Peaty said he wants “cheating” Chinese swimmers knocked out of the sport and urged the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) to “wake up and do your job”. China raced to gold in the men’s 4x100 metres medley relay with a time of three minutes, 27.46 seconds, edging out the United States by 0.55 seconds and bronze medallists France by 0.92. Peaty, whose British team finished in fourth with 3:29.60, suggested there was more to the race than met the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273207/cheating-chinese-should-not-be-paris-olympics-says-gb-legend-adam-peaty?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273207/cheating-chinese-should-not-be-paris-olympics-says-gb-legend-adam-peaty?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Aug 2024 05:07:15 +0000 We’re entering week two of the Games, and by now, you may have found your sport soulmate that’s worth losing sleep over. So you might only be tuned in for the knockout stages, after prologues that often felt like warm-up acts took their final bow. But while the plot thickens for most sports, we’ve got an onslaught of new arrivals as well as the return of old friends. So here are five things to squeeze in during day 10 of the Games, with all times noted in Hong Kong time. A splash-tacular return... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273195/paris-olympics-us-basketball-reign-over-diving-climbing-5-things-know-day-10?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273195/paris-olympics-us-basketball-reign-over-diving-climbing-5-things-know-day-10?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Aug 2024 04:30:16 +0000 You can measure your life in Olympic cycles, or more specifically an Olympic event that entrances you every four years. The men’s 100 metres sprint, crowning the world’s fastest human, has that allure. While few readers will recall Jesse Owens winning in 1936 in real time, some will have caught Jim Hines (1968), and the likes of Carl Lewis (1984, 1988), Linford Christie (1992) and Usain Bolt (2008, 2012, 2016) remain vivid for many. Overnight, the race to join that list lived up to its billing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273179/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-after-lyles-pan-speed-gold-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273179/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-after-lyles-pan-speed-gold-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Aug 2024 23:35:52 +0000 Stephanie Au Hoi-shun was hailed as a legend, a pillar and a very good friend by her peers after what may have been her last major meet for Hong Kong at the Paris Games on Saturday. The five-time Olympian has indicated previously she may not be swimming competitively by the Los Angeles Games in four years’ time, but her legacy is already assured in the eyes of her teammates. “I think she’s a legend,” quadruple Olympic medallist Siobhan Haughey said after she, Au, Natalie Kan Cheuk-tung and Tam... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3273118/paris-olympics-siobhan-haughey-hails-legend-stephanie-au-her-fifth-and-final-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3273118/paris-olympics-siobhan-haughey-hails-legend-stephanie-au-her-fifth-and-final-games?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Aug 2024 01:00:24 +0000 A highlight of day eight was always going to be Zheng Qinwen’s attempt to win China’s first Olympic gold in singles tennis. She managed it, beating Donna Vekic of Croatia 6-2, 6-3 in Saturday’s final in Paris around the time many people in her homeland’s time zone were hitting the hay. But what those back in China probably did not see or hear was her message later as she reflected on the achievement, which is where we shall start in recapping events overnight. Around the time Zheng spoke, there... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273117/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-after-zheng-gold-ledecky-history-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273117/while-you-were-sleeping-5-things-know-after-zheng-gold-ledecky-history-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Aug 2024 23:32:54 +0000 This live blog has been made freely available as a public service to our readers. Please consider supporting SCMP’s journalism by subscribing. Download our app to get faster notifications and 14 days of unlimited access. Gold and successful women was the theme for today’s action in Paris. China’s athletes were in the finals of the tennis, badminton and table tennis, and at least two titles were guaranteed. Zheng Qinwen was chasing glory in the women’s singles on the clay courts of Roland Garros,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273080/paris-olympics-day-8-gold-and-successful-women-theme-zheng-chen-chase-glory?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273080/paris-olympics-day-8-gold-and-successful-women-theme-zheng-chen-chase-glory?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Aug 2024 08:00:27 +0000 Following Wang Shun’s bronze-medal finish in the 200-metre individual medley, his coach extended a congratulatory handshake to Leon Marchand, who won gold, but appeared to be met with a cold shoulder. The incident caused a fervent reaction on Weibo, though it is important to note it is unclear whether a handshake was forthcoming after the short clip available. In the clip, Shun’s coach Zhi Zhigen stretched his arm toward Marchand, as he was ducking under a barrier but appeared to walk straight... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273061/paris-olympics-leon-marchands-snub-wang-shuns-coach-upsets-weibo-users?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273061/paris-olympics-leon-marchands-snub-wang-shuns-coach-upsets-weibo-users?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Aug 2024 02:30:24 +0000 The coach who inspired Siobhan Haughey’s double-bronze medal Paris Olympics campaign has said Hong Kong swimming chief Ronnie Wong Man-chiu’s comments about the achievement were “disappointing and inexperienced”. Wong, the chairman of the Hong Kong China Swimming Association, claimed Haughey’s third place in Wednesday’s women’s 100m freestyle final was “a bit regretful”. Tom Rushton said Haughey had alerted him to Wong’s verdict in the early hours of Thursday, and thought the quote was “not... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273044/paris-olympics-siobhan-haughey-not-happy-wongs-medal-comments-says-coach?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273044/paris-olympics-siobhan-haughey-not-happy-wongs-medal-comments-says-coach?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 03 Aug 2024 01:00:25 +0000 The problem with the way tennis times are set out is that they rarely mean what they say. Take the mixed doubles final involving China’s Wang Xinyu and Zhang Zhizhen; it was listed under the 1am starts, but in reality we had to wait for Novak Djokovic and Lorenzo Musetti to get their men’s singles semi-final done first. As a result, the match we were really interested in didn’t finish much before the sun came up. So, you’re welcome. Happily, there was plenty to keep us entertained while we... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273050/while-you-were-sleeping-tennis-silver-china-more-gold-marchand-5-things-you-missed?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3273050/while-you-were-sleeping-tennis-silver-china-more-gold-marchand-5-things-you-missed?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Aug 2024 23:30:11 +0000 Olympic swimming star David Popovici said he had no issues with Pan Zhanle’s “amazing” world-record shattering performance in the 100 metres freestyle final. Popovici, who claimed bronze in the race two days after winning 200m freestyle gold, noted, however, that “doping scandals around the world … are mostly centred around a few countries”. Some Chinese swimmers in Paris have aired frustration over consistently being smeared by doping accusations. Breaststroker Qin Haiyang said he suspected... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273046/paris-olympics-200m-champion-popovici-says-pan-world-record-amazing-performance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3273046/paris-olympics-200m-champion-popovici-says-pan-world-record-amazing-performance?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Aug 2024 22:00:23 +0000 Chinese netizens were praising swim champion Pan Zhanle for his “high EQ” after he refused to sign a China flag handed to him by a fan. Pan was greeting members of the audience after his historic win in the men’s 100 metres freestyle on Thursday, when a young fan handed him a flag, asking for his signature. “I can’t sign the flag,” Pan responded, but offered to take a selfie instead. "No, kid, I can't sign my name on our national flag! Let's take a selfie." Pan Zhanle, who just got an Olympic... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3272940/pan-zhanle-wont-sign-fans-china-flag-paris-olympics-star-praised-eq-after-gesture?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3272940/pan-zhanle-wont-sign-fans-china-flag-paris-olympics-star-praised-eq-after-gesture?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Aug 2024 08:00:09 +0000 Three days ahead of his 20th birthday, Pan Zhanle of China produced a swim at the Paris Olympics that catapulted him to Olympic gold and international attention. Pan smashed his own world record in the 100 metres freestyle, his time of 46.40 seconds at Paris La Defense Arena destroying his previous best of 46.8, set in February. Some were reluctant to believe their eyes – “not humanly possible”, an Australian coach said – but Pan has made a habit of confounding expectation. That February mark... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272886/paris-olympics-who-pan-zhanle-rebellious-record-breaking-swimmer-who-dares-fight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272886/paris-olympics-who-pan-zhanle-rebellious-record-breaking-swimmer-who-dares-fight?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Aug 2024 06:00:16 +0000 When you talk about the most prestigious prizes in sport, the conversation could well include the ones fought over in football, track and field, tennis and golf. Now, one of those sports would be classed as essential to the Olympic Games and its spirit, and three of them possibly wouldn’t or shouldn’t. What they all have, though, is mass appeal, so we can predict that it’s another day to look forward to in France, because they feature prominently on the Paris Games’ seventh full day. Here’s a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3272871/paris-olympics-5-watch-day-7-world-cup-final-rematch-china-pool-court-action?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3272871/paris-olympics-5-watch-day-7-world-cup-final-rematch-china-pool-court-action?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Aug 2024 04:30:12 +0000 Zhang Yufei hit back at questions surrounding doping after earning a bronze medal in the women’s 200 metres butterfly at the Paris Olympics. Less than 24 hours earlier, fellow Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle had been accused of achieving a world record “not humanly possibly” by the coach of silver medallist in the race Kyle Chalmers. Zhang, 26, queried why no Westerners who achieved world-record times in the pool are interrogated in a similar fashion. “Why are Chinese athletes questioned when they... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272876/what-about-ledecky-zhang-yufei-hits-out-doping-questions-aimed-chinese-swimmers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272876/what-about-ledecky-zhang-yufei-hits-out-doping-questions-aimed-chinese-swimmers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Aug 2024 03:30:15 +0000 Zhang Yufei arrived at Paris’ La Defense Arena pool determined to defend not only her Olympic titles, but her reputation, too. Known in her native China as the butterfly queen, Zhang was one of the 23 swimmers who tested positive for trimetazidine (TMZ) ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, before being cleared of wrongdoing. Since that incident came to light this year, the Chinese team have been subject to a high number of anti-doping tests and their performances in general have nosedived. Zhang,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3272867/paris-olympics-who-zhang-yufei-chinese-swimmer-battling-rivals-critics-and-fever?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/china/article/3272867/paris-olympics-who-zhang-yufei-chinese-swimmer-battling-rivals-critics-and-fever?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Aug 2024 01:45:10 +0000