Have you seen this epic dive from a 14-year-old diver Quan Hongchan at Tokyo Olympics?
A high leap from the diving board or platform and a long, smooth entry into the water with minimal splash.
China has a long history of excellence in diving and has produced many world-class divers.
You may wonder…
Why is China So Good at Diving?
Strong Training Programs:
In China, there are highly specialized sports schools, including for diving, that have a centralized and advanced program.
Children are selected to attend these boarding schools at a young age through a competitive process, often coming from rural areas and families with limited resources.
Pursuing a career as an elite athlete is seen as a source of pride and financial benefit for families, leading to eagerness from parents to have their children selected.
Cultural Emphasis:
Diving is highly valued in Chinese culture, and the sport is seen as an important form of athletic expression.
There is a strong cultural emphasis on excellence in diving, which helps motivate and inspire young divers.
Access to Resources:
China has a strong infrastructure for diving, with access to modern training facilities, equipment, and coaching.
The country invests significant resources into the sport, providing divers with the support they need to reach their full potential.
Asian Body:
The European and African have bulky bodies that will make big splashes when entering water surface and their bodies are not as supple as the East Asian bodies.
On average, East Asian have smaller and slimmer bodies compared to the other.
It’s just like why the sprint running events are all dominated by the African.
Their long legs & endurance have won half the battle.
Training at Young Age:
Quan Hongchan was a young champion, winning the National Championships in China at the age of 13.
At 14 years old, she competed at the Tokyo Olympics.
Quan started her diving journey at the age of 7 in 2014.
How It Started?
Diving was first introduced at the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis, with the USA dominating the medal count for 80 years.
However, China’s entry in the 1984 Olympics marked a significant shift in the sport.
China’s first gold medalist, ZHOU Jihong, won in the women’s 10m platform event in Los Angeles and since then, China has consistently taken home the most gold medals in diving at every Olympic Games, winning 40 out of 56 total gold medals.
Final Words:
Diving is a sport that requires discipline, hard work, and dedication.
The success of China in diving can be attributed to various factors including specialized sports schools, a culture that values athletic excellence, and a competitive selection process.
To find out what other popular sports Chinese like to do?
FAQ:
Which Country Has Won the Most Number of Olympic Medals in Diving?
The United States of America won the most number of medals in Diving when it comes to the Olympic games.
It is purely due to the quality of athletes they produce.
The USA has been taking part in diving events ever since it was introduced in 1904.
Until 2023, the United States has won a total of 141 medals in diving.
