China’s first high diving team is poised to make history as they prepare for their international debut at the World Junior High Diving Championships in Bras\u00edlia, Brazil, next month.
Based in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province, the team trains at the world’s first fixed high diving facility, featuring a platform towering at 27 meters. The state-of-the-art facility was designed and built by Feng Yingxiong, a veteran diver who has dedicated over 50 years to the sport.
The upcoming championships, scheduled from October 11th to 13th, mark a significant milestone as the inaugural World Junior High Diving Championships. Athletes aged 17 and 18 will compete from a 15-meter platform, while those aged 15 and 16 will dive from 12 meters. Representing China, four young divers\u2014one boy and three girls\u2014all aged 17 and below, will participate in three events.
Despite China’s dominance in traditional diving, high diving remains a relatively new frontier for the nation on the global stage. “China usually wins all the titles in comprehensive diving, but when it comes to high diving, we are relatively weak internationally,” said Feng Yingxiong. “Through our high diving training sessions and demonstrations, I hope more athletes who love the sport can participate.”
Feng emphasized the team’s focus on learning and growth during their international debut. “Our primary goal for next month’s competition is to learn, improve our understanding, and broaden our horizons. I hope our divers can achieve good results, which will inspire more Chinese people to learn about high diving,” he concluded.
The team’s journey to Brazil not only marks a historic moment for Chinese high diving but also symbolizes a step towards embracing new challenges and fostering talent in this exhilarating sport.
Reference(s):
China's first high diving team set for debut on world stage in Brazil
cgtn.com
