Story behind viral Olympic photo emerges after USA star Kassidy Cook was left shocked by how China diving stars celebrated gold
The US women’s diving team’s reaction to their Chinese teammates’ celebratory pose in Paris went viral last week, causing a stir on social media.
On Saturday, Olympic debutants Chen Yiwen and Chang Yani claimed China’s first gold medals in diving after beating the United States and Great Britain teams in the women’s 3-meter springboard final.
The Chinese duo scored 337.68 to beat Americans Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook, also known as ‘Cook’N’Bacon’, who recorded 314.64, and Britons Yasmine Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen who finished with a score of 302.28.
After receiving their medals, Chen lifted Chang into a sedan chair and posed for a photo on top of the podium.
Cook’s stunning reaction was captured on camera and sparked a wave of excitement on social media.
Chinese Olympians Chan Yiwen and Chang Yani’s celebration in Paris went viral online
American diver Kassidy Cook’s reaction to Chen carrying Chang caused a wave of excitement on social media
As their celebration gains popularity online, users have begun to speculate that the gold medal-winning duo were in a relationship outside of their field.
A Xiaohongshu user began romanticizing his/her pairing with a series of photos taken during various matches, captioning them: “If love has miracles, I would be happiest if I created them with you.”
“The most romantic thing is seeing your names etched into sports history together,” another user said.
X (Twitter) page @Football Report later claimed that Chen and Chang are a real couple. She shared a cute mirror selfie that was said to be from one of their social media accounts.
A Twitter page later reported that Chen and Chang are in a relationship, as speculation mounted
The duo/pair brought home China’s first gold in synchronized diving with a score of 337.68
The Americans took the silver medal on Saturday, while Great Britain finished bronze
Whether their relationship is real or fictional, fans agree that Chen and Chang’s shared achievement and support for each other has forever cemented them in Chinese history books.
“Chen Yiwen and Chang Yani, individually or together as an award-winning duo, are both equally unique and beautiful,” one user wrote.
“Regardless of their relationship, I am touched by their strong bond and hard work.”