JUMP STARTING THE CYCLE

This Saturday, against the backdrop of Singapore's towering skyline, China's all-conquering diving team is hoping to hit even greater heights at the World Aquatics Championships.

For the nation's diving "Dream Team", it will be a 19th appearance on the world stage and the first major test of the new Olympic cycle following its heroics in Paris.

At this pivotal moment of transition, the perennial powerhouse is facing a test of not just skill, but of depth and resilience. Fourteen athletes will compete across all 13 diving events, blending experience with fresh young talent.

With Olympic champions Quan Hongchan and Chang Yani sidelined by injuries, 30-year-old veteran Cao Yuan steps into his seventh world championships as the team's anchor, while teenagers Zhao Renjie, 14, and Xie Peiling, 15, prepare to make their international debuts.

On one side stand battle-tested champions; on the other, a rising generation eager to step into the diving spotlight.

Beijing, Rio, Tokyo and Paris — at every stop, Cao has proved himself as China's most versatile diver, winning four Olympic gold medals from both the platform and the springboard. In Singapore, it's the latter that will be his focus.

After clinching gold in the men's 10m platform at the Paris Olympics, Cao took a six-month break. Returning to training in March, he has responded to the national team's strategic needs, shifting focus back to the springboard where he found success earlier in his career — a move requiring painstaking adjustments to his technique.

"For springboard divers, syncing with the board is critical," Cao said after a recent team test. "Every step must be carefully controlled in pace and rhythm. Only then can your takeoff feel effortless."

The transition has not been without challenges. "Every step had to be relearned, especially the rhythm and timing," Cao admitted. "I've overcome a lot of the technical difficulties and focused on refining the details. Whether it's a world championships or a team trial, I aim to give my best every time."

His meticulous work is already paying off. "My performance in the test event was quite good — I'm proud of that — and I'm ready to embrace this new challenge," he said. Coaches praised his consistency and form, with scoring totals that make him a strong contender heading into the competition.

Cao will be joined in the men's 3m springboard event by Olympic champion Wang Zongyuan.

Wang, who captured gold in the men's synchronized 3m springboard in Paris, will also team up with rising star Zheng Jiuyuan in the synchro competition.

"My goal is always the top step of the podium," Wang said. "This is the first major international meet since Paris, and the start of a new Olympic cycle. It's been a bit tough getting back into form, but I hope to use this year to test myself, identify any issues and make improvements."

"The cycle is a long one, but my goal never changes — it's still to stand on the highest step," the 24-year-old added.

At the tender age of 20, Chen Yuxi leads China's women's squad. A three-time world champion from the 10m platform, she's now chasing even more golds in Singapore.

As well as the women's individual 10m platform, she'll also compete in the 10m synchro with new partner Zhang Minjie and in the mixed team event. A triple gold sweep would be historic.

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.

Rising stars

The youngest members of China's diving squad at this year's worlds, Zhao and Xie are set to make their international debuts. Previously unknown on the global stage, both stunned coaches with breakout performances at the national trials, earning spots in the men's and women's individual 10m platform events, respectively.

"It's my first time on this stage, and I'll admit I'm nervous," Zhao said. "But, I just want to give it my best."

"This is such an exciting opportunity," he added. "In the next phase of training, I'll approach every jump like it's the real thing."

Zhu Zifeng will accompany Zhao in the men's 10m platform event. "I'll take on the role of an older brother," Zhu said. "If he runs into any problems with his dives, I'll help him work through them."

Zhu recalled how senior teammates once guided him during his early career. "Now, it's my turn to step up and be that big brother," he reflected.

Zhu will also partner with Cheng Zilong in the men's synchronized 10m platform, where they both hope to showcase their respective strengths. "We believe our mindset is one of our advantages," Zhu noted. "We'll focus on showing our best form when it matters most."

After nine golds and four silvers in Doha last year, China's diving team has landed in Singapore with two simple goals: to defend its crown as diving's dominant force, and build for Los Angeles 2028.