The perfect dives, the flawless entries, the gold medals - we see it all on our screens. But what happens when the cameras turn off and the pressure becomes unbearable? For Chinese diving sensation Chen Yuxi, the answer was almost walking away from the sport entirely.

"After Paris Olympics, I didn't think I could ever stand on the 10-meter platform again," Chen confessed in a recent interview that's been making waves across Chinese social media. "That kind of pressure made me want to escape."

This raw admission from one of China's most celebrated athletes reveals a side of elite sports we rarely see. At just 13, Chen was handpicked by diving legend Zhou Jihong to join the national team. Fast forward to 2025, and she's now a three-time world champion with Olympic gold in the synchronized 10-meter platform.

But behind those achievements lies a story of resilience that's both heartbreaking and inspiring. The Tokyo Olympics saw her win gold in doubles but lose the singles title to the phenomenal Quan Hongchan. Then Paris 2024 delivered the same painful storyline - victory in team events but disappointment in individual competition.

What happens when an athlete who's trained their entire life reaches their breaking point? For Chen, it was diving legend Zhou Jihong who became her anchor in the storm. "During my lowest moments, Coach Zhou gave me strength," Chen shared. "She made me grit my teeth and push through the pain barrier."

This year's World Championships became Chen's redemption arc. Not just winning, but dominating with three gold medals that silenced every doubt - including her own. Her performance wasn't just about technical perfection; it was about conquering the mental demons that haunt every elite athlete.

Chen's journey represents more than just personal triumph. It's part of China's 40-year diving legacy, a conversation across generations of athletes who've carried the weight of national expectation. From Gao Min to Guo Jingjing to Chen herself - each generation faces the same pressure cooker environment.

Her story raises uncomfortable questions about the mental health costs of elite sports. How many athletes are struggling in silence? What happens to those who don't have a Zhou Jihong in their corner? And when does the pursuit of excellence become too heavy a burden to bear?

Chen's eventual triumph shows that sometimes, the most impressive victories aren't the ones we see on the podium, but the battles fought within. Her three gold medals at the World Championships weren't just about perfect dives - they were about a young woman finding the courage to face her fears and choosing to stay in the sport she loves.

So the next time you watch an athlete perform under pressure, remember Chen Yuxi's story. Behind every perfect score is a human being fighting their own battles. What other athletes do you think are struggling behind their champion smiles? Share your thoughts below.

How to Use Sixfast: A Quick Start Guide

Sixfast is a lightweight acceleration tool designed to optimize your internet connection for gaming, streaming, and other online activities. Here’s how to get started:

1. Download and Install

Visit the official Sixfast website and download the client for your device (Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS). Follow the instructions to install.

2. Sign Up and Log In

Open the app and register with your email or phone number. You can also log in using WeChat, Apple ID, or other supported platforms.

3. Redeem Free Membership with Code "666"

After logging in, go to the “Profile” or “Account” section and look for “Redeem Code” or “Gift Code.” Enter 666 to receive free VIP membership time—perfect for trying out premium acceleration features.

PC：

mobile：

4. Select a Game or App

Choose the game or application you want to speed up. Sixfast supports popular titles like Genshin Impact, PUBG, Honor of Kings, and more.

5. Choose Region and Start Acceleration

Sixfast will automatically recommend the best server based on your location, or you can manually select one. Tap “Start” to begin acceleration.

6. Enjoy Low Latency

Once connected, launch your game or app and enjoy smoother, faster performance with reduced ping and lag.

Try Sixfast today and level up your online experience!