Team China ends Paris campaign on high note

In addition, being able to speak directly to the international audiences in fluent English has certainly helped this generation more.

Chen Yiwen, who won two diving gold medals, in individual 3m springboard and the synchronized event with partner Chang Yani, has broken the language barrier and bonded closely with some of her formidable foreign rivals, while also exuding confidence during her international media interviews in English.

Chen's adorable selfies with teammate Chang and Australian rival Maddison Keeney, the silver medalist in 3m individual, have gone viral on social media platforms at home and abroad, earning thousands of likes for the "true embodiment of Olympic value".

Speaking about the friendship with her Chinese peers, Keeney said: "I feel like these girls, they're like my sisters. I'm just really lucky to be able to have a positive competitive relationship with them. No matter what happens on the board, it doesn't affect our relationships outside."

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn