Jump starting the cycle

Chen admits that taking on three events is no small challenge. "This is my first time competing in a non-Olympic event, so I'm like a newcomer. I hope to manage my energy well and contribute to the team," she said.

Previously, Chen formed a dominant pairing with double Olympic 10m platform champion Quan. Together, they were unbeaten in major international competitions. However, Quan was forced to withdraw from May's national diving championships due to injury, ruling her out of the worlds.

With Quan sidelined, Chen and Zhang debuted as a new pair at the national championships in May, where they claimed gold. "There's still room for improvement," Chen reflected. "I hope we can fine-tune our coordination before the competition."

When asked about her mindset, Chen spoke with characteristic composure. "I'm confident about gold, but stay grounded — focusing on training and executing each dive," she said.

On entering a new Olympic cycle, she added: "I'm starting from zero, slowly finding my competition rhythm again. Mentally, I feel more stable and mature than before."

Of her new partner Zhang, Chen noted: "Every diver has their own style. The key is to adjust to each other's strengths and develop synergy. It's a process of mutual adaptation and improvement."

Zhang echoed her partner's praise. "Chen's dives are incredibly steady, and her takeoffs are so powerful. Training with her helps elevate my own performance."

Meanwhile, Chen Yiwen, the reigning Olympic champion in both the women's individual and synchronized 3m springboard, will team up with Chen Jia to contest the same two events in Singapore. "I hope to find a new goal to motivate myself in this cycle," Chen Yiwen said.