World Aquatics Championships 2023: Untouchable Wang Zongyuan doubles up in men's 3m springboard

Wang Zongyuan won his second gold medal of the the World Aquatics Championships 2023 by clinching the diving men’s 3m springboard title on Thursday (20 July).

It was the seventh career world title for the People's Republic of China Olympic champion, who held off Mexico’s Osmar Olvera Ibarra 538.10 to 507.50.

Wang - who became the first diver in history to win three gold medals at a single worlds at the 2022 edition - also topped the synchronised 3m springboard earlier at the 2023 meet in Fukuoka, Japan.

His compatriot and synchro partner Long Daoyi grabbed bronze on Thursday with 499.75.

China now have 10 golds at these championships and are three away from completing the sweep for a second successive worlds following Budapest last year.

The top three also won their National Olympic Committees a quota spot for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games next July.

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Despite his feat here, Wang was anything but content, looking further down the road - perhaps to Paris.

His time in Fukuoka is done - he will not be competing in the 1m springboard this year - but is ready to turn cheerleader for his team-mates who continue on their quest for the golden sweep.

“I participated in three events at the 2022 world championships, but I participated in only two events this year so it was a bit easier,” the 21-year-old said to media including Olympics.com after the win.

“Yet I am not satisfied with some of my performances. I need to work on those, and make the proper adjustments.

“When I was small, I lived apart from my parents. I missed my mom and dad so much because of this, I sometimes thought about quitting.

“But I chose to keep diving. I will keep going until the end. We have two more days to go. Although I don't have any competitions any more, I will be there for my team members.”