CHINESE diver Quan Hong-chan claimed her first gold medal with an overwhelming victory in the women’s 10m platform event Thursday, as she made her international competitive debut at the Tokyo Olympics at only 14.

After the five-round final, China witnessed a one-two finish, with Quan finishing first in 466.20 points, followed by her teammate Chen Yuxi in 425.40 points.

Quan, who is competing in her first Olympics, collected full mark in her three out of five dives, and led all the way to the end.

Quan thanked her parents and former coach in her early age in China.

“I want to thank them for encouraging me to relax and telling me to just go for my dives freely because it doesn’t matter whether I get a medal or not,” she said.

At 14 years old, Quan became the second-youngest athlete representing China to claim Olympic Games gold in diving after Fu Mingxia, who won the women’s 10m platform at Barcelona 1992 at the age of 13.

“I don’t think I’m a prodigy. I don’t do well in my studies. You ask me all these questions and there’s only a blank in my mind,” Quan replied on being labeled a diving prodigy.

Chen, 15, won the gold in the women’s synchronized 10m platform July 27.

“I felt emotional. You feel that all the sacrifices you made has amounted to something. Even if it’s not gold, a silver medal is also a great encouragement,” said Chen. “I hope to continue and be there in Paris.”

China won the eighth Olympic gold medal in the women’s 10m platform, and took all the golds in four women’s diving events at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, China claimed gold in all women’s diving events in the past four Olympic Games. (Xinhua)