China's Chen Yuxi (left) and Quan Hongchan are both the closest of partners in daily life and fiercest of rivals on the 10m platform. Together, they are a dominant force in women's diving. REUTERS
Teenage diving queens push each other to further heights in their bid for combined and individual glory
As both world and Olympic champions, Chinese diving queens Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi were, unsurprisingly, among the brightest stars on the platform at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou. Together, the two teenage sensations reached the top step of the podium with a nearly perfect performance.
Then, after winning the women's synchronized 10m platform gold together as partners on Saturday, the two young aces battled it out in the women's 10m platform on Tuesday, when Quan edged out Chen to win the title by a margin of just 2.55 points.
With both Quan and Chen's final tallies exceeding 430 points, none of the other divers came close, including the bronze medalist (280.50) — perhaps the best testimony to the duo's dominance.
Quan and Chen are both the closest of partners and toughest of rivals. This seemingly complicated relationship, to themselves, however, is very simple. They are simply best friends that have grown up together.
"Quan is actually a very easygoing person. She is always the funniest one in our team. She always carries a smile, and she is the reason why our team always has such a great atmosphere," said 18-year-old Chen during an exclusive interview with China Daily.
"She shines in so many ways. She has a very positive mindset, and she is always energetic during training and competition. I hope she will always have the heart she has now and keeps chasing her dreams."
Although Quan is always described as a talkative and funny girl by teammates, the 16-year-old is famous for giving extremely short answers to media questions. And to China Daily, she continued that tradition.
"Chen is a pretty and charming girl, who never easily gives up," said Quan.
China's Chen Yuxi (left) and Quan Hongchan are both the closest of partners in daily life and fiercest of rivals on the 10m platform. Together, they are a dominant force in women's diving. REUTERS
Quan and Chen became household names in China after their performance at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, when Quan won the women's 10m platform gold and Chen won the silver. Chen won the women's synchronized 10m platform in Tokyo with her previous partner, Zhang Jiaqi.
"As athletes, we both have the desire to win. It's a lie if we say we don't. That is why we both work extremely hard and fight for the same goal. We never stop pushing ourselves," said Chen.
"But this is a very positive competition. Such a life, as a top national team diver, is a very special and unforgettable experience. She is the best encouragement to me, and that's why I'm growing.
"It's not a joke that Quan levels up the standard of women's 10m platform. She is the reason why we need to reach 430 points to win a gold. She is our true motivation. The positive energy she exudes is so rare. I cherish her, and I thank her a lot."
But in Quan's eyes, Chen is the more hardworking one of the two.
"She always tries her best at training and competition. I'm not as hardworking as she is," Quan added.
Already collecting Olympic gold and multiple world titles, Quan and Chen stand at the top of world diving. But the duo's sporting dreams remain unfulfilled, with both targeting gold at the Paris Olympics next summer.
"The Asian Games gold is just another decoration of my career, and it's just a small test ahead of the Paris Olympics. There are still problems we need to fix," said Chen.
"I hope my partner always has a champion's heart to face future competitions and all of the challenges ahead."
Quan, in her typically succinct way, added: "I wish her the same."
