At merely 19 years old, Chen Yuxi’s diving career already echoes with the clamor of illustrious triumphs: two Olympic golds and two silver medals shimmering in her collection. Yet, as she embarks on the path of a freshman at Tongji University, pursuing a degree in sports training, the narrative of her journey unfurls anew.
A mere three months have slipped by since she clinched gold in the women’s synchronized 10-meter platform diving at the Paris Olympics. Now, amidst the bustling halls of academia, few would recognize this titan of the diving world, whose identity blends seamlessly into the tapestry of fellow students, navigating her journey laden with textbooks.
With an electric sense of anticipation, Chen gazes toward her university experience—eager to dive into profound classes, delve into the complexities of knowledge, and weave connections with a diverse array of companions. “Diving has always centered on practical skills for me,” she mused, “but now, I’m yearning to unravel the theoretical facets of the sport, to complement my hands-on expertise.”
Chen envisions this new chapter transcending mere academics; it is a quest for self-reinvention. “In diving, and beyond, my aspiration is to evolve, to sculpt a version of myself that is more profound,” she expressed with determination. “I wish to foster new paths across various domains—crafting a niche that is undeniably mine.”
Born in the vibrant city of Shanghai in 2005, Chen’s nascent sporting ambitions were kindled as a gymnast, with early recollections painted brightly by her parents’ narratives. At a tender age of three, her afternoons in kindergarten were often divided between training sessions with her father’s gymnastics squad and the restlessness of waiting for her mother’s return. Unyielding and spirited, she invariably chose to train, astonishingly mastering the handstand long before most could dream of such feats.
By age six, she made her competitive bow in gymnastics; yet, the winds of change were already steering her toward diving. “My mom said it might be my last chance to compete, so she urged me to participate,” Chen reminisced, recalling her brief revival of gymnastics, trying her hand at the high and low bars under her father’s watchful eye. In that competition, it was he who seemed more nervous, a pillar of support beneath the butterflies she masked.
The transition from gymnastics to diving, however, presented a staggering obstacle—a new coach and her long-standing fear of water amplified the challenges. Initially hesitant and terrified, Chen faltered in swimming lessons under the guidance of more than a dozen coaches, her trepidation proving a relentless foe.
Dark memories of her inaugural attempts at the daunting 10-meter platform still linger. “It felt like chaos—my flips were muddled, and if fear crept in, my body would stiffen, hindering my movements and leading to error,” she recounted.
Yet, like the tides that persistently shape the shore, time worked its magic. The thrill of the dive transformed into an exhilarating embrace. “Stepping off the platform became a joy, an integral pulse of my existence,” she reflected, her words imbued with warmth.
In 2018, her prowess bore fruit as she clinched her first national title at the National Diving Championships, soaring to gold in the women’s individual 10-meter platform event. This victory ignited a new flame of confidence within her, culminating in her selection for China’s national diving team the very next year.
Chen’s Olympic debut at Tokyo three years prior was nothing short of breathtaking. Partnering with Zhang Jiaqi, she seized gold in the women’s synchronized 10-meter platform and added a silver to her repertoire in the individual event.
Yet, even amidst the resounding applause and accolades, shadows of self-doubt persisted. “I was often ensnared by every minute detail,” she confessed. “Mediocre training days would gnaw at me long after, clouding my mindset for both practice and competition.” She surfaced inconsistently, fears creating tremors beneath her surface.
“I simply told myself, ‘You’ve come this far; push through,’” she stated with a fervor to fight through every moment, training relentlessly until the very last breaths of opportunity.
By July 2023, she lifted her third consecutive gold medal at the World Aquatics Championships, reinforcing her place among the elite. This summer in Paris, she and teammate Quan Hongchan struck gold once again, while in the individual contest, Chen attained silver with a staggering score of 420.70.
Each challenge over the past three years sculpted her resilience, leaving her more centered and composed, a beacon of balance restored to her life.
Yet, away from the diving platform, the vivacious spirit of Chen Yuxi bursts forth—an insatiably curious individual drawn to wonders that stretch beyond the confines of her sport.
Following her Olympic exploits, she indulged in a much-deserved respite, traveling to Chengdu, where she delighted in the company of giant pandas and donned traditional hanfu, fully embracing the rich tapestry of Chinese culture.
Shopping, playing the piano, and assembling Lego sets are among her simple joys. Simultaneously, she’s enticed by the thrill of extreme sports—skydiving, bungee jumping, and rock climbing swirl within her adventurous dreams.
But it is photography that tugs at her heartstrings most fervently. “Through capturing photos of others, I seize their stories,” she expressed, enunciating how each image is a portal into the lives woven into that moment, a reflective journey of shared experiences.
For Chen, photography is a methodology of memory. “When someone captures me, I feel like they are chronicling my life’s journey. Looking back at those images stirs stories and echoes of moments long past.”
Her philosophy on life, deeply etched by a decade of diving discipline, reflects a profound acceptance of both triumph and failure. “In diving, you’re allotted five attempts. Regardless of how you fumble, you push onward, knowing that results only reveal themselves upon hitting the water.”
Yet, for Chen, these aquatic lessons seep far beyond the poolside. “Life, in essence, is about relishing everyday joys, relentlessly discovering what makes your heart sing, and embracing continuous growth,” she stated with a sparkle of determination. “In diving, academics, or personal pursuits, my quest remains: to enhance, endure, and advance, always pushing the boundaries forward.”
