Down-to-earth demeanor is platform for teen's success

Olympic record-setting Chinese teen Quan Hongchan's medal prowess shone brightly once again on her Asiad debut, as she collected gold in the synchronized 10m platform event alongside her decorated compatriot Chen Yuxi, at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Aquatic Sports Arena on Saturday.

Quan surprised the world at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, when the then-unknown 14-year-old claimed gold in the individual 10m platform. She performed two dives that received perfect 10s from all seven judges, earning a total score of 466.20 and smashing the previous Games record.

In Hangzhou, the duo dominated from the get-go, racking up a total 375.30 points — 85.26 points more than the Japanese silver medalists.

In fact, the two teens have won all major titles — synchronized and individual — in the women's 10m platform events over the last three years.

Quan was born in a small village on the outskirts of Zhanjiang, Guangdong province, in 2007 and took up diving at age 7. She was encouraged to try the sport because of the agility she showed while jumping when she played hopscotch at school — an unconventional point of entry into the pool.

"I'd never tried any other sports before, but I enjoyed playing in the water," she recalled.

"From the very start, I could jump into the water before the other kids, without fear or hesitation."

The young diver is said to have initially taken up the sport to earn money to support her mother, who has an illness that requires constant care.

Fans appreciate her down-to-earth attitude, despite the fact she has collected numerous world titles, winning five gold medals and three silvers at major competitions.

Journalists from around the world lined up for two hours to ask her questions before her event on Saturday. Her short and simple answers won smiles and sometimes laughs.

Her longest response came when she was asked why she was carrying a toy turtle, which has been a hot topic at the Asiad: "Because I like it. Turtles are not good-looking, but they're lovely! I like them!"