During the women’s synchronized 3-metre springboard final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Chinese divers Chen Yiwen and Chang Yani secured the gold medal with a score of 337.68, beating the US team of Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook, who scored 314.64, and the British team of Yasmin Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen, who scored 302.28. The Chinese duo’s unique celebration pose on the podium, with Chen holding Chang in a bridal carry, captured the attention of many, including their competitors.
A photo of the moment went viral, particularly highlighting US diver Kassidy Cook’s comically shocked reaction to the pose. Social media users were quick to comment, with one joking that Cook’s expression seemed to say, “Wait, that’s so cute, we should’ve done that too.” Another user appreciated the US team’s reaction, noting how interesting it is to see athletes from different countries respond to each other’s celebrations.
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Speculation arose on social media about the close relationship between Chen and Chang, with some users claiming that the two athletes are a couple. However, this has not been publicly confirmed by either diver. Despite this, fans have praised the pair for their tight-knit bond and their impressive achievement in winning the gold medal together.
The viral moment and subsequent reactions underscore the universal appeal of sports and the human connections they foster, transcending national boundaries. As the Olympics continue, such moments of joy and camaraderie highlight the spirit of the games and the shared experiences of athletes worldwide.
