Olympic champion Chen Yiwen stunned spectators on Tuesday night when she finished only third in the women's 3m springboard final, earning a bronze medal for Guangdong Province at China's 15th National Games.

Chen Yiwen looks on during the women's 3m springboard semifinal at China's 15th National Games in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)

In the second round, she dropped some points. "I was nervous on the second dive - competing at home still brings some pressure, and I really wanted to win the gold for Guangdong," Chen said.

However, she smiled after the event, knowing her teammate Lin Shan had secured gold for Guangdong. "I'm happy because the gold still belongs to Guangdong, even if it's not mine."

The 26-year-old, already China's top seed in the women's 3m springboard, triumphed in the mixed team diving and synchronized 3m springboard events, finishing her campaign at the Games with two golds and a bronze.

"I'm 85 percent satisfied with myself on the journey. The result in the individual 3m springboard was not very good, but I can take it, and I still have room to improve," Chen said calmly.

At the 2024 Olympics, Chen cemented her dominance on the world stage by winning both the individual and synchronized 3m springboard titles. At the World Championships in Singapore earlier this year, she reaffirmed her supremacy by claiming three more golds, including one in the mixed team event.

This year's packed competition schedule has taken a toll on Chen's knees. Yet, despite the pain, she remains unflappable.

"The injuries have been with me for months," she said with a light smile. "They don't really affect my performance much."

Those who know Chen often describe her as cheerful and easygoing - a personality that contrasts with her relentless pursuit of perfection beneath the surface.

Off the pool deck, she enjoys film photography and often shares her photos on social media, offering glimpses into her life beyond diving. Her relaxed and approachable manner has made her a favorite among younger teammates, many of whom see her as both a mentor and role model.

But behind her lighthearted smile lies the discipline of a true perfectionist.

"She may seem carefree," said Ling Haichan, head of Guangdong's diving team. "But she's incredibly driven. She sets very high standards for herself and is never truly satisfied."

Among those watching Chen's performance in Guangzhou was Gao Min, China's first Olympic champion in the women's 3m springboard at the 1988 Seoul Games. Even as a veteran of the sport, Gao could hardly contain her admiration.

"Chen has already achieved the diving Grand Slam, but she's still improving," Gao said excitedly. "It's not easy to keep pushing forward at her age and with all she's achieved. Her movements are even more refined than they were at the 2024 Olympics."

Gao added that Chen's ongoing progress would continue to inspire the next generation of Chinese divers.

For Chen, pressure doesn't come from the crowd or her rivals - it comes from within.

"I know there are still flaws in the details of my movements," she said. "My self-evaluation isn't based on rankings, but on my own performance. Of course, results matter, but what I really want is to become more perfect every time I compete."

Beyond her athletic excellence, Chen's intelligence and curiosity have also drawn admiration. Fluent in English, she often communicates easily with international competitors and media - a rare skill among Chinese athletes.

At Paris 2024, her confident English interview technique surprised even her mother, Sun Mingyin.

"She started diving at eight and began traveling abroad soon after," Sun recalled. "She was so young but was determined to learn English. She borrowed her sister's textbooks and watched English TV shows. We never imagined she would speak so well!"

That same determination has carried Chen through years of training and competition - from a wide-eyed girl who first climbed onto the springboard to a poised champion balancing grace, grit and global recognition.

Chen is often seen giving young players technical instruction and mental encouragement, but sometimes seems a little lost after success upon success.

"I need to be more driven and set myself a new clear goal," she concluded.