Best friends, golden rivalry

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."