Diving: Cao Yuan's 10m platform gold ensures Chinese clean sweep

Cao Yuan successfully defended his title in the men's 10-metre platform diving on Saturday, securing an unprecedented sweep of all eight gold medals in diving for China at the Paris Olympics

At the Olympic Aquatics Centre, China's dominance was evident throughout most of the events. However, the final diving competition presented a significant challenge. 

With his teammate Yang Hao struggling unexpectedly and Japan's Rikuto Tamai applying pressure until a critical mistake in the penultimate round, Cao was left to carry the weight of the team's hopes.

Cao Yuan successfully defended his title in the men's 10-metre platform diving. GETTY IMAGES
Cao Yuan successfully defended his title in the men's 10-metre platform diving. GETTY IMAGES

Cao, 29, rose to the occasion. He cemented his victory with impressive performances, particularly on his most challenging dive, a forward 4 1/2 somersaults in the fifth round. 

The Chinese star concluded with a total score of 547.50 points, becoming the first male diver to secure back-to-back gold medals from the 10-metre platform since Greg Louganis in 1988.

Cao has now amassed four gold medals in his diving career. In addition to his recent victory, he secured the springboard gold at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 and a 10-metre synchronised diving gold at the London Games in 2012.

Tamai made a strong comeback on his final dive, securing the silver medal with a score of 507.65. The bronze was awarded to Britain's Noah Williams, who finished with 497.35 points.