Cao Yuan has once again proven his supremacy in the diving world by claiming gold in the men’s 10m platform at the Paris 2024 Olympics. His victory not only added to his illustrious career but also completed an unprecedented clean sweep for the People's Republic of China, securing all eight available diving gold medals at the Games. This monumental achievement solidifies China's position as the undisputed powerhouse in Olympic diving.
Cao's journey to the gold was a masterclass in focus and technical brilliance. Despite the intense competition from Japan's Tamai Rikuto and Great Britain's Noah Williams, Cao remained unfazed. His six dives were executed with unmatched precision, with the highlight being his third-round back 3.5 somersault, earning him a stunning 97.20 points. His final score of 547.50 left no doubt about his dominance in the event.
The silver medalist, Tamai Rikuto, gave an inspired performance, particularly with his final dive, which scored a massive 99 points. However, a misstep in his previous dive ultimately cost him the chance to challenge Cao for the gold. Nevertheless, his silver medal was historic for Japan, marking the country's first-ever podium finish in this discipline.
Noah Williams of Great Britain secured the bronze with a score of 497.35. Despite a wobble in the third round, Williams displayed remarkable composure in his final two dives, both scoring over 90 points. His performance was a testament to his resilience and ability to thrive under pressure, earning him his second medal at the Paris Games.
Cao’s achievement is not just about adding another gold to his collection; it is about the historical significance of his career. He becomes the first diver since Greg Louganis to successfully defend the 10m platform gold at consecutive Olympics. Moreover, Cao is now the only diver to have won Olympic gold in three different diving events, further cementing his legacy as one of the sport's all-time greats.
Cao’s compatriot, Yang Hao, who was expected to challenge for the podium, had an off day, finishing in 12th position. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Oleksii Sereda, a world bronze medalist, also had a disappointing outing, ending in eighth place. Australia’s Cassiel Rousseau, the 2023 world champion, narrowly missed the podium, finishing in fourth place with a score of 481.00.
Reflecting on his victory, Cao said, “I just focused on my dives, not the scores. I’m happy to help China gain the final gold. It’s historical, congratulations to China.”
This victory not only highlights Cao's extraordinary talent but also underscores China's dominance in the sport. With this win, China continues to set new standards in diving, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the Olympics.
