Quan Hongchan: The Glorious Journey of the Triple Olympic Champion
On the grand stage of diving, a radiant star shines bright - Quan Hongchan. With astounding prowess and a unique charm, she has enraptured the hearts of countless spectators.
On the magical evening of August 6th in Paris at the Olympic Games, the Women's 10-meter platform diving 跳水 (tiào shuǐ) final unfolded as a monumental showdown dubbed the "Phenomenon of Vanishing Water Splashes." The breathtaking performances of Quan Hongchan and her virtuoso teammate, Chen Yuxi, captivated the audience. In the initial round, Quan Hongchan's flawless dive dazzled all, eliciting perfect scores of 10 points from each of the seven judges, amassing a total of 90.00 points. This laid a sturdy foundation for her triumph, with online admirers hailing it as a "dimensional reduction knockout." Ultimately, with an impressive score of 425.60 points, Quan Hongchan clinched the gold medal, marking the 22nd gold medal for the Chinese sports delegation at the Paris Olympics! Chen Yuxi also secured the silver medal with a stellar score of 420.70 points.
跳水 (tiào shuǐ), noun, diving
Examples:
- Diving requires skill and courage.
跳水需要技巧和勇气。
tiào shuǐ xū yào jì qiǎo hé yǒng qì。 - Watching diving competitions is exciting.
观看跳水比赛很刺激。
ɡuān kàn tiào shuǐ bǐ sài hěn cì jī。
Quan Hongchan's diving odyssey can be hailed as legendary. At the youthful age of just 14 at the Tokyo Olympics, she achieved a perfect score on five out of the three dives, amassing a total of 466.20 points, setting a record for the highest score in the history of women's 10-meter platform diving, and claiming the gold medal - truly a "peak from the outset."
Nevertheless, success is not a mere coincidence. Quan Hongchan undeniably possesses an extraordinary gift; her exceptional leaping跳跃() ability was apparent since the tender age of 7 when she could leap an impressive 1.76 meters in a standing long jump. Coach He Weiyi of the Guangdong Diving Team once noted that while boys of the same age took 13 seconds to complete a leg-raising exercise, Quan Hongchan only required 12 seconds. Her takeoff was crisp and elevated, displaying remarkable explosiveness in her lower body. Furthermore, she exhibits a keen insight, quick to learn, promptly rectify faults in her movements, and adjust training intensity proactively based on her individual circumstances.
跳跃 (tiào yuè), noun, leaping
Examples:
- The graceful leaping of the gazelle impressed the spectators.
羚羊优美的跳跃令观众印象深刻。
líng yáng yōu měi de tiào yuè lìng guān zhòng yìn xiàng shēn kè。 - The dancer's leaping across the stage was a highlight of the performance.
舞者跳跃舞台是表演的亮点。
wǔ zhě tiào yuè wǔ tái shì biǎo yǎn de liàng diǎn。
However, her achievements also stem from unwavering effort. From the Tokyo Olympics to the Paris Olympics, transitioning from 14 to 17 years of age, Quan Hongchan navigated through the physical maturation phase, grappling with changes in height and weight that posed substantial challenges. To surmount these growth-related hurdles, she exerted more sweat than ever before. Despite grappling with the arduous 207C movement in the past, she persevered. Under the stringent guidance of head coach Chen Ruolin and through relentless training sessions, she continuously adapted and improved. In February 2024, she graced the stage of the World Championships for the third instance, mastering the 207C movement, scoring 97.35 points. The "Phenomenon of Vanishing Water Splashes" was resurrected in her 207C dive, with commentators lauding it as a "performance from the annals," as she seized her maiden solo championship at the World Championships.
Apart from the breakthrough in the 207C movement, Quan Hongchan boasts numerous stellar performances. In the Women's 10-meter platform final at the National Diving Championship on March 21, 2023, despite an error during the fourth dive in the 207C movement, scoring only 54.45 points, she still clinched the second position with 405.85 points. Moreover, in the Women's Synchronized 10-meter platform final at the FINA Diving World Cup in Montreal on March 3, 2024, she and Chen Yuxi delivered steadfast performances, garnering 368.82 points to claim the championship, securing a fifth consecutive victory in the event at the World Cup. Additionally, her exceptional synergy with Chen Yuxi in the Women's Synchronized 10-meter platform event has bolstered the Chinese diving "Dream Team," previously seizing the gold together at the Paris Olympics in that event.
In the competition, Quan Hongchan's rivals were equally formidable. Their splendid displays collectively elevated the competition level, delighting the spectators.
Post her golden victory, Quan Hongchan unveiled a genuinely endearing aspect in interviews. She delineated the toil of her dedicated work across the past three years, rebuffing claims of being a teenage prodigy, underscoring that all her accomplishments were borne out of relentless practice. Despite grappling with discomfort from the attention and the weight of scrutiny in all her endeavors, she resolved to surmount these challenges.
In life, Quan Hongchan is gregarious, audacious, and intrepid. Her vibrant persona always leaves an indelible mark, much like her backpack adorned with small toys and trinkets, playfully dubbed by online enthusiasts as "a backpack carrying a 10-kilogram zoo." On the sporting arena, she exudes a formidable aura. Post emerging victorious with the Women's Synchronized 10-meter platform diving gold at this year's Paris Olympics, she confidently brandished the gold medal, exuding poised self-assurance. Upon encountering skiing champion Eileen Gu, she radiated excitement akin to a child, engaging in warm embraces and camaraderie.
Quan Hongchan's remarkable feats not only brought glory to the nation but also wielded a monumental global impact. Through her diligence and persistence, she has demonstrated to the world that with steadfast dreams and unwavering endeavors, miracles can be wrought. Her narrative serves as a wellspring of inspiration for numerous youths, urging them to fearlessly pursue their aspirations, confront challenges without trepidation, and forge ahead resolutely.
Quan Hongchan, this youthful triple Olympic champion with a future brimming with boundless promise, we eagerly anticipate her continued illumination in the realm of diving!