GUANGZHOU — Olympic gold medalist and celebrated diver Quan Hongchan concluded her recent National Games appearance by hosting her first-ever personal livestream event on Monday evening from the Ersha Training Center dormitory in Guangzhou. The hour-long broadcast, which drew nearly nine million viewers and generated over 43,000 yuan, saw the 17-year-old interaction with fans and fellow athletes, with all proceeds immediately dedicated to supporting rural schoolchildren.
The young athlete, affectionately known as “Chan Bao,” or “Precious Chan,” captivated the massive online audience as she reflected on a challenging run at the recent National Games. Despite competing with an undisclosed injury, Quan secured one gold medal as part of the Guangdong provincial team’s collective effort. Her injury ultimately forced her to withdraw from the individual 10-meter platform event, a discipline where she is widely expected to return to dominance.
During the hour-long stream, which ended promptly at 10 p.m., Quan engaged directly with her vast online following, briefly showcasing a more relaxed, off-platform persona. Demonstrating solidarity with her peers, she also hosted online conversations with Olympic champions, including fellow divers Chen Aisen and Chen Yiwen.
Quan used the sizable platform not only to recap her performance but also to encourage viewers to follow the ongoing National Games. She specifically highlighted athletics, swimming, and breakdancing as events she personally planned to watch, guiding fans toward the diverse range of competitive sports still taking place.
Philanthropic Effort Targets Rural Education
Perhaps the most significant aspect of the broadcast was the immediate commitment made by the athlete regarding the financial outcome of the event. The livestream netted 43,598.6 yuan (approximately $6,000 USD), which Quan promptly announced would be donated in full to causes benefiting rural children. Documentation confirming the donation was later shared online, underscoring her dedication to educational outreach.
Quan’s decision to channel her instantaneous celebrity into philanthropy highlights a growing trend among young Chinese athletes using their fame for social good. Her actions were met with overwhelming praise from viewers and media outlets, cementing her image as both a dedicated competitor and a conscientious public figure.
Looking Ahead to Recovery and Return
Following the livestream, Quan shared a thoughtful summary of her National Games experience on the social media platform Weibo, posting the message: “There is no road walked in vain; right or wrong, they are all my footprints.”
Accompanying the text was a striking photograph of a swimming pool and a simple but powerful message: “#SeeYouNextTime.” This simple sign-off fueled excitement among her dedicated fanbase, known as “Chan-mí” (Chan fans), who voiced support for her recovery.
The current focus for Quan Hongchan will now shift from competition to recovery, as she faces both rehabilitation from her recent injury and the natural physical changes associated with her growth and development—often critical challenges for elite, young divers. Fans and analysts alike are hopeful she will successfully navigate these obstacles to return to the global stage, where she is anticipated to continue her trajectory as one of the sport’s greatest talents.
Her commitment to the sport, coupled with her growing philanthropic footprint, ensures that Quan Hongchan will remain a central figure in Chinese sports news well beyond the pool.
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