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Ira Gorawara

Fans showered Quan Hongchan with dolls to show China’s three-time Olympic gold medallist how much her story has touched them.
Since striking her first Olympic title in Tokyo three years ago, Quan has been catapulted into the international limelight, and her double golds in Paris entrenched her as China’s “diving darling” and a global phenomenon.
But it is the 17-year-old’s charm and her family’s humble beginnings that have truly won the hearts of millions.
As she paraded through her victory lap after clinching gold in the 10 metres platform final, fans showered Quan with stuffed toys.
She loved dolls from a young age but, aware of her family’s financial struggles, maturely avoided the subject.

Apparently she's known to collect plushies so fans in the crowd threw dozens at her and now her backpack is completely covered in them https://t.co/lerXj3znqY pic.twitter.com/qkjbJBArkY
— Orikron 🇵🇹 (@orikron) August 7, 2024

“Other kids could buy snacks, her mother Feng Lingmei said. “[They] had everything.
“I had no money to give them [my kids]. She likes dolls very much. But she dared not to ask me for them, because I had no money for her [to buy]”.
Now an Olympic superstar, Quan’s early understanding of her family’s financial hardships indicated sensitivity and maturity beyond her years.
“Now everyone who loves her all over the world is giving her dolls, so don’t worry, mum!” one social media user said.
The teenager’s modest roots also cultivated deep emotional ties between herself and her family.
After Quan’s older brother shared on Weibo a touching video message for his little sister during the Games, he took to the skies to surprise her in Paris.

Clad in a red suit – symbolising fortune and joy in Chinese culture – Quan’s brother embarked on his family’s first overseas trip to sit front row at Tuesday’s 10m platform final.
“The whole family is gathered around the TV, so happy,” her brother said in the video, crying. “Your mother, her health has also improved a lot.
“Grandpa and grandma are in good health. They just miss you so much.”
He also reminisced about Quan’s childhood, recounting how Quan used to eagerly wait for her mum to bring home dinner scraps from the canteen where she worked.
“The whole family is waiting for you at home,” he added. “I still want to tell you here that you have worked hard.
“People across the country have also seen that you left home from a young age, trained hard, became famous at a young age, persevered, overcame bottlenecks, and fought in Paris again.
“Your character and your past have always inspired us, as fans who have followed you for more than 10 years.”
Will Wu contributed to this report
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Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Paris Olympics: Quan Hongchan showered with dolls, nod to family’s humble beginnings

China’s diving queen Quan Hongchan has inspired fans as much for her story outside the pool as for her talents on a board. Photo: Xinhua

Quan Hongchan’s family’s humble beginnings meant it was difficult for her to play with toys as a child. Photo: Xinhua

Paris Olympics: China’s diving domination leaves rest playing catch up, Team GB boss says

Gold medallist Quan Hongchan celebrates on the podium with silver medallist Yuxi Chen (left) and bronze medallist Mi Rae-kim of North Korea after winning the women’s 10m platform. Photo: Reuters

Paris Olympics: Chen Ruolin, coach behind Quan Hongchan, back in the limelight again

Chen Ruolin (left) received plaudits for wiping away the tears of China’s diving star Quan Hongchan after her second gold medal. Photo: Xinhua

Quan Hongchan (right) and her coach, Chen Ruolin, embrace after the star’s second Paris Olympics gold medal. Photo: Xinhua

Chen Ruolin on her way to winning the 10m platform diving event at the London 2012 Olympics. Photo: EPA

Paris Olympics: China’s gold-medal queen Quan Hongchan excited for brother’s chicken

China’s Quan Hongchan kisses her gold medal after winning her third at the Olympics during the Paris Games. Photo: Reuters

China’s diving queen Quan Hongchan won two gold medals in Paris, on top of her first in Tokyo three years ago. Photo: Reuters

Who is Quan Hongchan? China’s teen diving queen has 3 Olympic golds, loves Eileen Gu, toys

Quan Hongchan kisses her gold medal after winning the women’s 10m platform final. Photo: Xinhua

Quan Hongchan (right) and teammate Chen Yuxi show off their women’s synchronised 10m diving gold medals. Photo: AP

Silver medallist Chen Yuxi (left), gold medallist Quan Hongchan and bronze medallist North Korea’s Kim Mi-rae (right) pose on the podium after the women’s 10m platform. Photo: AFP

Quan Hongchan hits the water during the women’s 10m platform final. Photo: Reuters

Quan Hongchan (right) and Chen Yuxi answer questions from the press after the final of the 10m platform. Photo: Paul McNamara

Paris Olympics: tearful diver Quan gives perfect example of why she’s China’s golden girl

China’s Quan Hongchan poses with her gold medal after the women’s 10m platform diving final. Photo: AFP

Gold medal winner Quan Hongchan Quan celebrates with her coach after the women’s 10m platform final. Photo: EPA-EFE

Sport

Paris Olympics 2024

Her double golds in Paris entrenched her as China’s ‘diving darling’ and a global phenomenon


Since striking her first Olympic title in Tokyo three years ago, she has been catapulted into the international limelight, and her double golds in Paris entrenched her as China’s ‘diving darling’ and a global phenomenon.


Quan Hongchan

Tokyo