https://www.scmp.com/rss/519330/feed The latest news on Quan Hongchan, Chinese professional diver and Olympian, including competition news and updates. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Police in southern China have detained and fined a man accused of the systematic cyberbullying of triple Olympic diving champion Quan Hongchan, state media reported on Friday. The 19-year-old, who won gold at the Tokyo Games in 2021 when she was just 14 before winning two more golds in Paris in 2024, has become one of China’s most popular athletes. But Quan has been the subject of repeated harassment online, with her weight a frequent target for comments. Police in the Yuexiu district of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3349705/china-police-detain-and-fine-man-behind-cyberbullying-olympian-quan-hongchan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3349705/china-police-detain-and-fine-man-behind-cyberbullying-olympian-quan-hongchan?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:16:35 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu Malicious and hateful online attacks on China’s diving queen Quan Hongchan, including one which likened her to a “pig”, will form part of a major investigation into an organised cyberbullying campaign against the Olympic athlete. Other hurtful attacks said the gold medal winner “looks like a man” and even questioned her right to be a champion, saying she only won because “the judges were biased”. Another online bully said Quan looked “countrified” while others called on her to “retire... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3349529/china-authorities-probe-national-level-bullying-diving-icon-quan-hongchan-amid-toxic-fan-culture?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3349529/china-authorities-probe-national-level-bullying-diving-icon-quan-hongchan-amid-toxic-fan-culture?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:00:16 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Chinese swimming authorities have launched an investigation into cyberbullying targeting three-time Olympic diving champion Quan Hongchan, including by a group that included some of her own national teammates. The authorities have also reported the matter to the police. The move comes after Quan revealed in a recent interview that sustained online abuse over her physique had left her with “resistance and dissatisfaction” towards her body and pushed her to consider retirement. Quan, who won her... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3349419/chinese-authorities-investigating-malicious-cyberbullying-diving-star-quan-hongchan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3349419/chinese-authorities-investigating-malicious-cyberbullying-diving-star-quan-hongchan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:00:44 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Teenage sports star Quan Hongchan became a national hero and China’s “diving queen” through her extraordinary medal-winning feats. She is adored by millions of fans, but like so many top performers, the 19-year-old has also been a target of online abuse. This is not surprising, given the often toxic nature of the mainland’s fan culture. That does not, however, make it acceptable. Quan, who won her first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo in 2021 when only 14, has been targeted as a result of gaining... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3348915/chinas-sports-stars-show-bravery-face-toxic-fan-culture?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3348915/chinas-sports-stars-show-bravery-face-toxic-fan-culture?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Apr 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Olympic champion diver Quan Hongchan has revealed she is a victim of cyberbullying over her physique, stating it has made her feel “resistance and dissatisfaction” towards her body and she yearns to be her former cheerful self. In an interview published on Monday, the diving star discussed the pressure and confusion of entering adulthood. Quan, who turned 19 in March, noted that weight has been her primary struggle as an adult. “People keep saying my weight is very heavy,” she said. “I am... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348424/olympic-champion-diving-star-quan-hongchan-says-she-victim-cyberbullying-over-her-body?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3348424/olympic-champion-diving-star-quan-hongchan-says-she-victim-cyberbullying-over-her-body?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:00:09 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu Chinese youth are enthusiastically adopting Japan’s “ita bag” fashion accessory style to showcase their admiration for beloved anime and real-life idols, elevating the culture with their imaginative designs. On China’s popular lifestyle-sharing platform, RedNote, the hashtag #tongbao, which means “painful bag” (the Chinese translation of ita bag), boasts 2.3 billion views. Originating in Japan around the 2010s, the “ita bag” refers to bags adorned with plushies, badges, or small cards... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3347384/how-painful-bag-becomes-popular-subculture-fashion-trend-especially-among-china-youth?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3347384/how-painful-bag-becomes-popular-subculture-fashion-trend-especially-among-china-youth?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2026 01:00:14 +0000 Yating Yang Yating Yang China’s beloved “Diving Queen” Quan Hongchan has once again amazed her fans by being named Sports Person of the Year and making her magazine debut on the cover alongside other Chinese stars. On February 9, the country’s People magazine officially announced its 2025 cover line-up. It features eight phenomenal figures who made a significant impact in their respective fields in 2025. The line-up includes Quan Hongchan, Xin Zhilei, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Shu Qi, Shan Yichun, Liu Jiakun, Zhi Huijun and... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3343158/china-buzzes-diving-queen-quan-hongchan-named-sports-person-year-makes-magazine-debut?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3343158/china-buzzes-diving-queen-quan-hongchan-named-sports-person-year-makes-magazine-debut?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:09 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan Mainland Chinese internet users were left in awe by the country’s Olympic champion, Quan Hongchan – not for her diving techniques this time, but for her new image, which prompted many to marvel that Quan has “really grown up.” On January 12, Quan shared multiple images of herself picking strawberries and tomatoes at a farm in her hometown of Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, as reported by the news outlet Red Star News. Shortly after, the hashtags “Quan Hongchan sports long hair” and “Quan Hongchan... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3340341/china-diving-queen-quan-hongchan-delights-fans-new-hairdo-shows-she-has-really-grown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3340341/china-diving-queen-quan-hongchan-delights-fans-new-hairdo-shows-she-has-really-grown?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Jan 2026 06:00:09 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Chen Yuxi, the 20-year-old Olympic diving champion, has opened up on social media about facing online abuse, being threatened with doxxing and people trying to create a rift within the Chinese diving team. Chen also spoke out against claims that she has special “connections” in the sport through her family. The video was released on her social media accounts on Wednesday after Chen was named World Aquatics’ 2025 Female Diver of the Year earlier this month. Chen won the accolade after a return to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3337834/chinese-diving-star-chen-yuxi-says-she-has-received-threats-denies-she-has-connections?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3337834/chinese-diving-star-chen-yuxi-says-she-has-received-threats-denies-she-has-connections?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Dec 2025 10:59:59 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong For years, Chen Yuxi has somewhat stood in the shadow of her superstar teammate Quan Hongchan, who burst onto the scene at just 14 with her rags-to-riches story, young age and formidable performance, offering a captivating narrative for the public. The slightly older Chen, meanwhile, despite possessing clinical precision, consistency and Olympic golds, was known as synchronised partner and rival to Quan. But on Monday night, as the 20-year-old executed her final dive to secure gold in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3332359/national-games-chen-yuxi-steps-out-quan-hongchans-shadow-now-she-chinas-diving-queen?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3332359/national-games-chen-yuxi-steps-out-quan-hongchans-shadow-now-she-chinas-diving-queen?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:00:09 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer On November 9, 73 teams and more than 20,000 athletes representing China’s provinces, municipalities and regions will descend on Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong to take part in the 15th National Games. Often referred to as the country’s Olympics, the Games were first held in Beijing in September and October 1959 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Over the decades, the Games have undergone other significant changes. The first four editions were... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3331939/powerhouse-provinces-rundown-teams-dominate-national-games?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3331939/powerhouse-provinces-rundown-teams-dominate-national-games?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Nov 2025 02:00:12 +0000 Lars Hamer,Mike Chan Lars Hamer,Mike Chan The National Games bring together the best and brightest from across China for weeks of competition, some of which have been said to be tougher than the Olympics. Whether you agree with that or not, there can be no argument that several of the world’s top sportsmen and women will be battling it out in the pool, on the court and right across the Greater Bay Area for individual and team glory. Jointly co-hosted for the first time by Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong, here is everything you need to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3331993/all-you-need-know-about-national-games-where-some-worlds-best-come-play?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3331993/all-you-need-know-about-national-games-where-some-worlds-best-come-play?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Nov 2025 00:00:18 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Chinese social media users have dished out a huge backhanded compliment to Olympic champion Quan Hongchan, saying that despite her weight gain, she is still one of the best. Quan has been trending on Weibo throughout the week, following her first gold medal at this year’s National Games, and on Wednesday, a hashtag praising her technique was viewed more than 10 million times. However, some users also thought it necessary to highlight her weight while also applauding Sunday’s gold medal in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3331607/chinese-fans-weigh-quans-bulkier-physique-say-diving-star-still-ferrari?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3331607/chinese-fans-weigh-quans-bulkier-physique-say-diving-star-still-ferrari?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:30:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Chinese diving starlet Quan Hongchan helped Guangdong successfully defend the women’s team gold medal at the National Games on Sunday, and moved a step closer to being her country’s best of all time. The three-time Olympic gold medallist took part in the synchronised 10-metre platform alongside Wang Weiying in the evening session, with the pair outscoring their rivals to finish on top of the table with 235.86 points. Chen Yuxi and Zhang Minjie, representing Shanghai, finished second just 0.9... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3331247/quan-hongchan-seals-first-diving-gold-national-games-guangdong-closes-record?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3331247/quan-hongchan-seals-first-diving-gold-national-games-guangdong-closes-record?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Nov 2025 13:47:42 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu Chinese women are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) generated footage of vagabonds at their homes to test how much their partners love them. The unusual trend has sparked concerns over the abuse of AI-generated content. On mainland social media platforms, several women said that they asked AI to generate images and videos of homeless men inside their room and send the footage to their husband or boyfriend. Some also generated a set of images and made up a story of them seeing a... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3329912/china-wives-use-ai-generated-videos-homeless-men-breaking-homes-test-husbands-love?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3329912/china-wives-use-ai-generated-videos-homeless-men-breaking-homes-test-husbands-love?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Oct 2025 06:00:09 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Chinese diving starlet Quan Hongchan has been named in Guangdong’s delegation for the National Games, ending her months-long break from the sport. Quan, who has not competed since the World Aquatics Diving World Cup Super Final in Beijing on May 5, has been listed for three events: the women’s team, women’s synchronised 10m platform and women’s individual 10m platform. The 18-year-old from Mazhang, Zhanjiang, will be looking to defend the individual gold and team gold she won at the 2021 Games... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3329390/national-games-chinese-star-quan-hongchan-ends-diving-hiatus-will-compete-guangdong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3329390/national-games-chinese-star-quan-hongchan-ends-diving-hiatus-will-compete-guangdong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Oct 2025 11:00:09 +0000 Fran Lu Fran Lu Egg sellers in China have used artificial intelligence (AI) to clone the country’s diving queen, Quan Hongchan, and other top athletes to sell their wares. Chinese state media China Central Television reported on August 18 that 47,000 people fell for the AI scam. The eggs were sold using an account with 14,000 followers. It posted deepfake videos of 18-year-old Quan promoting free-range eggs produced on her family’s farm. The video included a clip of “Quan” speaking to the camera, wearing a face... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3322641/china-sellers-use-ai-clone-dive-queen-quan-hongchan-top-athletes-push-products?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3322641/china-sellers-use-ai-clone-dive-queen-quan-hongchan-top-athletes-push-products?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Sep 2025 01:00:08 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer As China continues to dominate diving at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, one glaring omission is three-time Olympic champion Quan Hongchan. Quan was originally listed in the squad to compete at the world championships, but had to withdraw because of what she called “a serious ankle” injury. While her teammates continued the country’s long-held diving domination, picking up seven from a possible nine golds in Singapore, Quan has returned to training, vowing to come back for the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3320064/quan-hongchan-skipped-world-aquatics-championships-where-chinas-diving-ace?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3320064/quan-hongchan-skipped-world-aquatics-championships-where-chinas-diving-ace?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 30 Jul 2025 04:30:08 +0000 Nancy Wang Nancy Wang The “Ita bag” hashtag went viral on Weibo – China’s answer to X – in summer 2024 when Quan Hongchan, who won two golds in diving at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showed off gifts given to her by fans, from badges to cute toys, inside her transparent PVC bag. An ita bag, which means “painful bag” in Japanese, humorously denotes the great pain – and expense and effort – the wearer has put into lavishly decorating their bag. The bag is usually made of canvas or nylon with a clear see-through front. The... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3313385/what-ita-bag-plus-most-popular-toys-dolls-and-figures-now?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3313385/what-ita-bag-plus-most-popular-toys-dolls-and-figures-now?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Jun 2025 10:05:48 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan When China’s diving queen Quan Hongchan pulled out of a national competition due to injury recently, there was a tidal wave of interest on social media. The event in question is the National Diving Championships, which are set to take place from May 24 to 30 in the city of Wuhan in China’s central Hubei province. It is significant this year because it is the qualifier for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore in July. Quan arrived in Wuhan as a member of the Guangdong provincial... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3311365/china-diving-queen-quan-hongchan-trains-8-hours-daily-overcome-development-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3311365/china-diving-queen-quan-hongchan-trains-8-hours-daily-overcome-development-challenges?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 May 2025 10:00:13 +0000 Yating Yang Yating Yang Chinese sportswear giant Li-Ning is facing a public backlash and a wave of product returns after young diving sensation Quan Hongchan was placed on the sidelines rather than at the centre of a recent group photograph. The positioning row has sparked accusations of opportunism, with critics accusing the brand of initially capitalising on Quan’s popularity for marketing purposes, but sidelining her after she lost to Chen Yuxi, her teammate and rival. Quan has a massive fan base both in China and... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3310183/china-sports-brand-sparks-outrage-after-diving-queen-quan-hongchan-sidelined-event-photo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3310183/china-sports-brand-sparks-outrage-after-diving-queen-quan-hongchan-sidelined-event-photo?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 May 2025 10:00:13 +0000 Chinese diver Chen Yuxi made it two wins in as many World Cup legs by again turning the tables on her rival and synchronised partner Quan Hongchan in Canada on Saturday. Chen had to settle for individual silver behind Quan at the past two Olympics in the 10-metre platform event, but has reversed the order in that discipline over the past two weekends. Having beaten Quan in Guadalajara a week earlier, she bettered her once more in Windsor to kick-start her new season. “Thank you to all my fans... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3306333/chen-yuxi-secures-back-back-world-cup-triumphs-beating-quan-hongchan-again?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3306333/chen-yuxi-secures-back-back-world-cup-triumphs-beating-quan-hongchan-again?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 13 Apr 2025 07:30:07 +0000 Yating Yang Yating Yang The brother of Olympic diving champion Quan Hongchan, Quan Jinhua has revealed that he has turned down multiple contracts from companies offering up to 200 million yuan (US$28 million). Quan Jinhua also emphasised that he is dedicated to supporting farmers by continuing his e-commerce business. Following his sister’s sporting success, including two gold medals in the individual 10 metre platform event and 10 metre synchronised platform at the 2024 Paris Olympics, there has been increased public... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3291989/china-dive-queens-brother-declines-us28-million-contracts-focus-helping-farmers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3291989/china-dive-queens-brother-declines-us28-million-contracts-focus-helping-farmers?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Dec 2024 01:00:08 +0000 Three-time Olympic table tennis champion Fan Zhendong has pleaded with fans to “understand and respect” his privacy after he was mobbed in a hotel lobby. The world No 1 beat rival Lin Shidong 3-1 in a China Super League match in Changsha on Saturday. However, after the game, table tennis fans rushed to his hotel and surrounded him as he tried to get to his room. China has been battling what it calls “obsessive fan culture”, where super fans mob and harass athletes for years, but there has been a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3290913/chinas-fan-zhendong-pleads-privacy-after-supporters-mob-him-hotel-following-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3290913/chinas-fan-zhendong-pleads-privacy-after-supporters-mob-him-hotel-following-win?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:30:28 +0000 Alice Yan Alice Yan A new sculpture of China’s three-time Olympic gold medallist Quan Hongchan has come under fire for being badly created and not looking at all like the diving queen. The bronze statue, created by Guangdong-based sculptor Xu Hongfei, was unveiled at Guangzhou Sports Culture Museum in September, the news outlet NetEase reported. It aims to capture Quan’s gesture as she is about to make a dive. Behind the installation is a big board describing the 17-year-old’s achievements, especially her winning... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3281516/china-museum-criticised-ugly-diving-star-statue-pronounced-belly-button?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3281516/china-museum-criticised-ugly-diving-star-statue-pronounced-belly-button?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Oct 2024 10:00:10 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang Taiwanese-American singer Wang Leehom has made a comeback at a mega event in China, performing alongside stars like Jackie Chan and Olympic diving champion Quan Hongchan, sparking widespread attention online. In December 2021, Wang announced his divorce from wife Lee Jinglei. A short time later, Lee took to social media to accuse Wang of misconduct that included serial cheating and soliciting sex workers. The scandal severely tarnished his public image, leading to multiple brands cutting ties... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3279925/millions-revel-china-comeback-pop-icon-wang-leehom-dive-queen-quan-hongchan-joins-fun?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3279925/millions-revel-china-comeback-pop-icon-wang-leehom-dive-queen-quan-hongchan-joins-fun?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Sep 2024 12:00:08 +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. Sixty-five mainland Chinese athletes from the nation’s Olympic team arrived in Hong Kong around noon on Thursday for a three-day visit, fresh from bagging 40 gold medals at the Paris Games. Diving superstar Quan Hongchan, controversial record-breaking swimmer Pan Zhanle and table tennis legend Ma Long, as well... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3276310/mainland-china-olympic-stars-set-shine-rousing-hong-kong-welcome?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3276310/mainland-china-olympic-stars-set-shine-rousing-hong-kong-welcome?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 29 Aug 2024 03:35:00 +0000 Chinese President Xi Jinping met the country’s Olympic heroes at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday, and praised them for their performance and sportsmanship throughout the Paris Games. Xi said the athletes had “won glory for the country and people”, and told an audience including the likes of gold-winning swimmer Pan Zhanle, gold-carrying diver Quan Hongchan and Zheng Qinwen, who took home gold in singles tennis, to continue striving for success to further establish China as a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3275243/china-president-xi-praises-olympians-winning-glory-country-and-people?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3275243/china-president-xi-praises-olympians-winning-glory-country-and-people?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Aug 2024 15:46:45 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang China’s newest Olympic diving star, Quan Hongchan, has faced hostile questions from sections of the media who have described her as an “idiot” and suggested she lacks education. In response to the negative line of questioning, fans of Quan, who is just 17, have rallied behind the young athlete who now holds a position in world diving that belies her age. To date, she has won five world championships and three Olympic golds, earning her the affectionate title of “Diving Queen”. On August 7,... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3275016/critics-china-olympic-diving-queen-quan-hongchan-slammed-uneducated-idiot-insults?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3275016/critics-china-olympic-diving-queen-quan-hongchan-slammed-uneducated-idiot-insults?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Aug 2024 10:05:08 +0000 The Olympic Games mean different things to different people. Which country has done best in the games also depends on how you count the medals. Where gold medals are concerned, China’s performance in the Paris Olympics is doubtless its best since 2008. This year, it tied with the US in gold medals, recording the most golds medals it has ever won at a Summer Olympics away from home. China maintained its dominant position in table tennis and diving, while also performing well in swimming and... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3274583/how-achieve-olympic-success-china-offers-some-answers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3274583/how-achieve-olympic-success-china-offers-some-answers?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Aug 2024 01:30:17 +0000 Two of China’s biggest stars at the Paris Olympics are struggling to cope with obsessive fan culture, finding themselves regularly mobbed at airports, hotels and in their hometowns. A video of diving sensation Quan Hongchan has gone viral on China’s Instagram-like platform, Xiaohongshu, with users expressing anger at fans for surrounding the 17-year-old at an airport, despite her being uncomfortable with the situation. Swimmer Pan Zhanle, who won two golds and a silver in Paris, even said he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3274285/china-olympic-hero-pan-would-swap-gold-quiet-life-quan-hongchan-besieged-airport?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3274285/china-olympic-hero-pan-would-swap-gold-quiet-life-quan-hongchan-besieged-airport?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Aug 2024 05:40:02 +0000 Fans showered Quan Hongchan with dolls to show China’s three-time Olympic gold medallist how much her story has touched them. Since striking her first Olympic title in Tokyo three years ago, Quan has been catapulted into the international limelight, and her double golds in Paris entrenched her as China’s “diving darling” and a global phenomenon. But it is the 17-year-old’s charm and her family’s humble beginnings that have truly won the hearts of millions. As she paraded through her victory lap... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3273644/paris-olympics-quan-hongchan-showered-dolls-nod-familys-humble-beginnings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3273644/paris-olympics-quan-hongchan-showered-dolls-nod-familys-humble-beginnings?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Aug 2024 03:00:18 +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 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 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. More diving gold for China today? Yes, plus silver too, and while the rush of medals has slowed to a bit of a trickle, the one other certainty in life, apart from the two big ones, is Quan Hongchan standing on a podium. The Chinese teenager and teammate Chen Yuxi battled it out... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3273394/paris-olympics-day-11-quan-hongchan-chases-gold-lebron-skateboard-kids-action?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3273394/paris-olympics-day-11-quan-hongchan-chases-gold-lebron-skateboard-kids-action?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Aug 2024 08:02:07 +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. So that’s that then. The moment we had all been waiting for turns into something of an anti-climax. There’s to be no third gold for Hong Kong, as Siobhan Haughey ends up taking bronze in the women’s 100m freestyle. It hasn’t been a great day for the city’s athletes all round.... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3272605/paris-olympics-day-5-quan-leads-china-gold-bid-build-haughey-100m-freestyle-race?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/hong-kong/article/3272605/paris-olympics-day-5-quan-leads-china-gold-bid-build-haughey-100m-freestyle-race?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Jul 2024 07:11:08 +0000 Siobhan Haughey is on everyone’s watch list for day 5 at the Paris Olympics, but seeing as she’s not racing until 2.30am on Thursday (Hong Kong Time), we thought you might be interested in what’s happening before then. The River Seine is now magically clean enough for swimming, having not been 24 hours ago, so there is triathlon to look forward to, and the latest event in China’s inevitable march to diving domination is also coming up. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, then how about some BMX,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272584/paris-olympics-siobhan-haughey-diving-star-quan-triathlon-5-things-know-day-5?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/aquatics/article/3272584/paris-olympics-siobhan-haughey-diving-star-quan-triathlon-5-things-know-day-5?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Jul 2024 04:34:57 +0000 In the digital age, athletes are not just sports stars but social media influencers. Many competitors boast impressive online followings, engaging fans with training insights, personal stories and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Here are some of the Olympians who could be set to make waves in Paris both in the sporting arena and online. Alexis Jandard (diving) Jandard went viral in April when he fell off the diving board in front of French President Emmanuel Macron during an Olympic pool... https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3271755/paris-olympics-5-athletes-follow-social-media-quan-hongchan-margie-didal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/buzz/article/3271755/paris-olympics-5-athletes-follow-social-media-quan-hongchan-margie-didal?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 25 Jul 2024 04:00:20 +0000 A group of Chinese table tennis superfans have threatened to protest at the Paris Olympics over the decision not to pick one of the country’s best players – after saying authorities had silenced them at home. Members told the Post that fans at the Games were likely to hold up banners and distribute fliers as part of a continuing campaign against the decision of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA) to leave out world No 2 Wang Manyu. Their efforts to be heard have brought them into... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3269399/angry-chinese-table-tennis-superfans-threaten-paris-olympics-protest-over-squad-selection?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3269399/angry-chinese-table-tennis-superfans-threaten-paris-olympics-protest-over-squad-selection?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Jul 2024 00:00:18 +0000 The Chinese Olympic Committee (COC) has issued a warning to the public about harassing athletes after repeated incidents where they were filmed and followed by fans. The General Administration of Sport of China jointly released a statement with the COC, asking fans to show respect and to avoid unsavoury behaviour towards the athletes. “It seems that these ‘low-level fans’ are driven by their love for idols and impulsively make irrational actions that endanger the normal order of events, public... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3243110/chinas-obsessive-sports-fans-told-stop-harassing-athletes-officials-issue-warning-refrain-chaos?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3243110/chinas-obsessive-sports-fans-told-stop-harassing-athletes-officials-issue-warning-refrain-chaos?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Nov 2023 09:40:45 +0000 Diving prodigy Quan Hongchan of China is an Olympic gold medallist and now an Asian Games gold medallist, but, as Chinese netizens love to point out, she is also still an adorable kid. It wasn’t her gold medal performance for the women’s synchronised 10m platform that enamoured the audience nor was it her second gold from the individual women’s 10m platform – those victories were almost a given. Rather, she won over hearts with her quirky anecdotes, namely involving her many, many turtle... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3237032/asian-games-2023-chinese-fans-love-adorable-teen-diver-quan-hongchan-and-zoo-hanging-her-backpack?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3237032/asian-games-2023-chinese-fans-love-adorable-teen-diver-quan-hongchan-and-zoo-hanging-her-backpack?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Oct 2023 07:04:22 +0000 Amid the fierce competition and decades-old rivalries at the Hangzhou Asian Games, there have been some fleeting moments of kindness and heartwarming support. With a few days still left to go, the 19th Asiad has already seen plenty of tears and angry outbursts. From judo slaps, tennis rackets being smashed, taekwondo argy-bargy, and the North Korean men’s football team attacking the referee, tensions have clearly been high for some athletes. But thankfully, other competitors and fans are... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3236892/asian-games-2023s-most-heartwarming-moments-chinese-teen-diver-quan-hongchan-regifts-turtle-toy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3236892/asian-games-2023s-most-heartwarming-moments-chinese-teen-diver-quan-hongchan-regifts-turtle-toy?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Oct 2023 07:13:41 +0000 China will stage the “greatest ever” Asian Games next month, acting Olympic Council of Asia head Randhir Singh said on Friday, insisting his organisation’s troubles would not impact the continental event. The International Olympic Committee has refused to recognise last month’s OCA presidential elections, instead asking Singh to carry on in acting capacity. The IOC has banned Kuwait’s Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah for three years for his “undeniable impact” in the elections at the regional... https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3230779/asian-games-olympic-chief-predicts-greatest-ever-event-hangzhou-despite-ioc-review-election?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/3230779/asian-games-olympic-chief-predicts-greatest-ever-event-hangzhou-despite-ioc-review-election?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 11 Aug 2023 08:44:20 +0000 Chinese netizens marvelled at the performance of Quan Hongchan, who on Friday won gold at the Fina Diving World Cup in Xian – nearly two years on from wowing the world at the Tokyo Olympics. The 16-year-old Quan and her partner Chen Yuxi won the women’s synchronised 10-metre platform event, blowing away the competition with a total score of 373.20 for their five jumps. Great Britain were a distant second, more than 60 points back, followed by Germany, who took bronze at the Xian Aoti Aquatic... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3217083/quan-hongchan-wins-gold-fina-diving-world-cup-chinese-fans-marvel-little-girl-grows?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3217083/quan-hongchan-wins-gold-fina-diving-world-cup-chinese-fans-marvel-little-girl-grows?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Apr 2023 09:45:14 +0000