China’s bid to dominate the women’s Olympic diving events got off to a strong start on Saturday as Chen Yiwen and Chang Yani claimed gold in the synchronized 3-meter springboard competition. The duo, who are both making their Olympic debuts, entered the competition in Paris with a strong track record, having won three consecutive world championships. They kicked off the event with a back dive in the pike position, drawing loud cheers from the crowd, many of whom were sporting China’s team jackets and waving national flags.
The American team of Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook, who executed the same routines as Chen and Chang, gave the Chinese duo a brief scare by scoring equal points in the second round. However, they couldn’t keep pace with the Chinese pair in the subsequent dives and settled for silver with a score of 314.64 points.
China’s dominance in this event is undeniable, having now won six consecutive Olympic titles since its introduction into the Games in 2000. The Olympic Aquatics Centre in Saint-Denis, a new venue built specifically for the Paris Games, was filled with spectators eager to witness the action, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Fans draped themselves in national flags and cheered enthusiastically as the divers performed intricate twists and somersaults before their final plunges.
Adding to the excitement, China’s Guo Jingjing, a four-time Olympic gold medalist in the 3-meter springboard event, served as a referee for Saturday’s competition. She received a warm ovation when her name appeared on the screen. With this victory under their belt, Chen, the world number one, and her close friend Chang will now focus on the individual 3-meter springboard event.
