In 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, diver Chen Aisen had a dream Olympic debut. By winning gold in both the men’s 10m platform and the men’s synchronized 10m platform events, Chen became the first ever “double champion” in Olympic history. FINA, the international water sports federation, called him “the king of the 10m platform” and crowned him Male Diver of the Year.

Then just 21, Chen looked poised to dominate international diving for years to come. Instead, he fell off the deep end, battling injuries and self-doubt while struggling to prepare for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Meanwhile, China’s national diving team was awash with talent.

Would Chen be able to find his form again?

Translator: Wang Jiaqi; editors: Lu Yunwen and Kevin Schoenmakers.

(Header image: Chen Aisen during a diving competition in Wuhan, Hubei province, Jan. 24, 2021. IC)