If Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi were considered the "chosen pair" in the diving world, then their sudden split is akin to a fine piece of jade being cracked, leaving people feeling regretful and curious: what exactly went wrong?
Since the Tokyo Olympics, this golden duo has firmly occupied the top spot in women's synchronized 10-meter platform diving, winning almost all major championships over the past three years. However, they have now embarked on separate paths—Quan Hongchan is looking for a new partner, while Chen Yuxi begins a new collaboration with veteran diver Lu Wei. What story lies behind this decision?
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, the then 14-year-old Quan Hongchan stunned the world with her perfect five dives, earning her the title of China's youngest Olympic diving champion and shaking the international sports scene. Her performance was described as "flawless," even likened to "art." It was at that moment that Quan Hongchan became known as a "diving prodigy," becoming the "star of the future" in many people's eyes.
Chen Yuxi's career, on the other hand, has not been as smooth sailing as Quan Hongchan's. She won the gold medal in the women's individual 10-meter platform at the 2019 World Championships but experienced ups and downs due to physical and psychological fluctuations, falling into a bottleneck period.
However, in the women's synchronized 10-meter platform event at the Tokyo Olympics, she teamed up with Quan Hongchan to secure a gold medal for the Chinese team. From that moment on, they were hailed by the public as the "golden pair." Their partnership was characterized by chemistry, stability, and perfect coordination, making them not only the ace of the Chinese diving team but also a source of pride for countless viewers.
However, time is the fairest judge. The split between Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi was not due to poor cooperation but the harsh reality of diving—a sport where age and physical conditions significantly impact performance. In diving, the issue of growth is an ever-present challenge. Especially for female athletes, changes in weight and body coordination with age can affect their performance.
Chen Yuxi's individual results have fluctuated in recent years, while Quan Hongchan, as a young athlete, still possesses excellent physical conditions and maintains a more stable state. This difference does not indicate who is stronger or weaker but is a natural consequence of the laws of nature. From a competitive sports perspective, such a split was "inevitable."
Moreover, strategic adjustments within the Chinese diving team are also a significant factor. In the tradition of the diving team, "old leading new" has always been an important way to cultivate newcomers and reserve talent. The separation of Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi is not only to provide young athletes with more training opportunities but also to lay out plans for future Olympic cycles.
After the split, Chen Yuxi's direction was determined first. She chose to partner with Lu Wei, born in 2005. Although Lu Wei's name may not be as well-known as Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi, her abilities are not to be underestimated. In the past, she partnered with Zhang Jiaqi to win gold medals in world competitions but temporarily withdrew from the international arena due to growth issues. Recently, she returned to the national team through selection and was arranged to form a new pair with Chen Yuxi. Despite their similar ages, this pairing is in the form of "veteran with veteran," which tests their chemistry while providing Chen Yuxi with more opportunities to demonstrate her personal experience.
On the other side, Quan Hongchan's likely new partner is the 14-year-old Li Xirui. This name may still be unfamiliar to ordinary viewers, but she has already shown promise in domestic competitions. As a young athlete, Li Xirui possesses talents similar to Quan Hongchan—technical stability and strong mental fortitude. Her addition not only provides Quan Hongchan with a "new starting point" but also reflects the continuation of the "passing on skills and knowledge" model within the Chinese diving team.
In the Chinese diving world, the issue of growth is a frequently discussed topic. Zhang Jiaqi was once Chen Yuxi's best partner, but due to the impact of physical development, her competitive state gradually declined, forcing her to step back. This situation is not uncommon in women's diving. Every change in the body affects the athlete's balance, force distribution, and entry angle, and diving, as a sport that relies heavily on details, is particularly sensitive to these changes.
However, these experiences have not deterred the athletes. Whether it is Lu Wei's resurgence after growth or Li Xirui's rapid growth under pressure, their stories demonstrate how the training system of the Chinese diving team helps athletes overcome difficulties. From Zhang Jiaqi's withdrawal to Lu Wei's return and the new combination of Quan Hongchan and Li Xirui, we see the diving team constantly adjusting and evolving while maintaining its position as a world leader.
For Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi, the split may be regrettable, but it is a necessary path for their individual growth. The cruelty of competitive sports lies in the fact that any slight fluctuation in form could lead to being overtaken by newcomers. Chen Yuxi's choice to continue fighting and partnering with Lu Wei is both a challenge to herself and a commitment to the diving profession. And Quan Hongchan, as a gifted young athlete, partnering with Li Xirui, is undoubtedly a new attempt.
From a broader perspective, this adjustment instead reveals the confidence and wisdom of the Chinese diving team. By separating the two main players, it not only provides more opportunities for young athletes but also avoids potential state issues that could arise from a single combination. Diving is not just a combination of strength and technique but also a perfect embodiment of psychology, teamwork, and planning for the future.
The split between Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi is not the end of a story but the beginning of a new one. Whether it is adapting to new partners or facing future challenges in competitions, every dive they make writes a new chapter for Chinese diving.