Shandong diver Lian Junjie staged a dramatic comeback at the 15th National Games this week, securing gold in the men's 10m platform final on November 11 in Guangzhou after a nine-month injury hiatus. The victory marks a triumphant return for the athlete, who edged out Beijing's Cao Yuan by just 3.5 points in a nail-biting finale.
Lian's path to victory saw intense competition, with Cao initially leading through precise early dives and 14-year-old Zhao Renjie briefly topping the standings in the second round. A series of errors by rivals allowed Lian to seize temporary control before Cao reclaimed the lead in the penultimate round. The Shandong native then delivered a career-defining final dive – a 105.45-point reverse 4½ somersault – to clinch the title with 530.85 total points.
Meanwhile, Lin Shan dominated the women's 3m springboard event, though detailed results remain pending official release. The dual victories underscore China's continued diving prowess as the nation prepares for upcoming international competitions.
This year's National Games have drawn particular attention as athletes return to peak form following pandemic-related disruptions. Lian's shoulder injury recovery and subsequent podium finish are being hailed as a testament to sports rehabilitation advancements in the Chinese mainland.
