Quan faces growing challenge head on

Her coach Chen Ruolin, though, wasn't so concerned about Quan's ability to readjust.

"It's the natural process of puberty development that every teen athlete has to experience. She's so talented, so demanding on herself, and always works harder.

"I have full confidence in her ability to navigate through it," said the coach, herself a legendary five-time Olympic champion, who overcame the same challenge.

The healthy competition with her biggest rival and bestie outside the pool is helpful as well.

Whatever happens in an individual competition, Quan said she feels free to always seek advice and comfort from Chen Yuxi whenever she has a bad day.

And Chen Yuxi, who is two years Quan's senior, feels likewise.

"We are close to each other and talk about everything all the time. We always have each other's back and support each other, no matter what," said Chen Yuxi, who claimed three titles in a row on the Cup series to be named the "Best Female Diver of 2025".