Each Gold Has A 'Different Meaning'

Chen regains 10m title for fourth crown; 14-year-old Ainslee 'really proud' at 17th spot

- Samuel Tan

As far as 19-year-olds go, Chinese diver Chen Yuxi might be one of the world's most talented teenagers.

With 40 medals – 35 of those gold – before her 20th birthday in September, she proceeded to add her 36th title when she bulldozed her way to the women's 10m platform crown at the World Aquatics Championships (WCH) on July 31.

After placing second at the 2024 edition in Doha, she reclaimed the title with a commanding performance of 430.50 points, finishing streets ahead of Germany's Pauline Pfeif (367.10) and compatriot Xie Peiling (358.20).

It is her fourth time winning this event after similar successes in 2019, 2022 and 2023.

Despite being a serial winner, she was still emotional as she gave her coach a big hug upon learning of her latest victory at the OCBC Aquatic Centre.

"Even though it's the fourth time, each win carries a different meaning," said Chen, who is the diver with the most gold medals (three) at this year's meet, with three days of competition left.

She added: "This past year has been a journey of growth and constant adjustments for me, so achieving this result today feels like a form of encouragement."