Chen Yuxi clinched her fourth world title in the women's 10-meter platform final at the World Aquatics Championships on Thursday, increasing China's gold medal tally in diving to eight at this year's competition in Singapore.
Chen, who topped the standings in both the preliminary and semifinal rounds, delivered five consistent dives in the final, each earning more than 80 points. Her overall score of 430.50 points easily clinched gold, while Germany's Pauline Pfeif took silver with 367.10. China's 15-year-old Xie Peiling, making her World Championships debut, claimed bronze with 358.20 points.
"Even though this is my fourth world title in the event, each one carries its own meaning," Chen said.
Reflecting on her journey, the 19-year-old recalled her debut gold at the World Championships in Gwangju in 2019, perseverance through injury and setbacks to win in Budapest in 2022, and personal-best performance in Fukuoka in 2023.
"Every world championship has a special place in my heart," she said. "This time, despite physical strain and the challenge of maintaining my form, I was still able to deliver a 430-point performance. I'm very satisfied."
Xie, who achieved a podium finish in her first major international competition, praised the four-time world champion. "Chen Yuxi always encourages me," she said. "After I made a mistake in the semifinal round, she came to comfort me. Her technique and consistency are all things I hope to learn from."
With the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics in the rear view mirror, and the 2028 Los Angeles Games cycle underway, Chen remains humble. "I don't have a long-term plan yet," she said. "Coming off the podium today, I'm just taking it step by step, starting again from zero."
京公网安备 11010202009201号