Chongqing - In the men's 3m springboard final at the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games on August 2, Zhang Wenao of Chongqing brought home the gold. This is the fourth gold medal won by athletes from universities in Chongqing at these Games.

Zhang Wenao from Chongqing in the competition. (Photo/ CQNEWS.net)

In the first round, Zhang executed a skillful 5154B dive (forward 2 1/2 somersaults with double twists in pike position), eliciting cheers from the audience and high scores from the judges. With 86.70 points, he quickly claimed the lead.

For the second round, he chose the 407C dive (inward 3 1/2 somersaults in tuck position). Approaching the edge of the springboard, he launched into the air without hesitation, flipping and performing three somersaults. His dive concluded with a ripple-free entry. Two out of seven judges awarded 9 points, pushing Zhang Wenao 24 points ahead of the second-place competitor.

The diver extended his lead in the third round. With a beautifully executed 307C dive (back 3 1/2 somersaults in tuck position), he secured a high score of 9.5 points from the judges and maintained his lead with a cumulative score of 266.15 points.

The final dive, with an elevated difficulty level, was met with applause as Zhang entered the water flawlessly. He obtained 102.60 points with his stunning splash-free entry, the only dive that secured a perfect score in the finale.

Ultimately, Zhang secured the gold medal with an impressive 533.45 points. He is set to participate in the men's 1m springboard match in the following days.

"This is my first gold medal at a global aquatics championship. In the future, I will adhere to my training regimen and remain dedicated to diving," he said.

Zhang Wenao stands on the podium during the award ceremony. (Photo/ CQNEWS.net)

Born in 2002, the native of Chongqing started practicing springboard diving in his childhood. He looks up to the Olympic diver Shi Tingmao.

At the 2019 FINA Diving Grand Prix (Germany), Zhang Wenao clinched the gold medal for the men's synchronized 10m platform with an impressive score of 385.14 points.

Huang Xiaoling, dean of the Department of Physical Education at Southwest University, was thrilled about the victory. To witness Zhang Wenao's performance, he drove from the Taekwondo arena in Chengdu to the Jianyang Cultural and Sports Center Natatorium, an hour away, to watch the last two dives.

"Especially for the last dive with extremely high difficulty, the judge recognized his commitment with a full score of 10 points. It's a source of pride for our nation, a joy for all university students, and an honor for Southwest University," said Huang.

(Li Xinran, as an intern, also contributed to this report)