Chen Yuxi on Maintaining the Same Weight for Five Years: “As Long as I Don’t Starve”

On January 30, Olympic diving champion Chen Yuxi shared rare insights into the discipline behind maintaining nearly the same body weight for five consecutive years during a CCTV interview. In diving, every gram matters—affecting aerial rotation and water entry precision—and Chen has guarded this fine balance with extraordinary self-control.

According to the reporter, Chen is often the first athlete to enter the training venue each morning and completes three scheduled early-morning sessions every week. Despite growing older and facing constant challenges from younger teammates, her discipline continues to set her apart.

Head coach Yu Xiaoling revealed that Chen exercises extreme restraint in her diet. Every meal portion is carefully controlled, and she rarely allows herself extra food, even after late training sessions. What surprised many was that Chen keeps a scale with her at all times—before training, after meals, and back in her room—monitoring even the smallest fluctuation.

Chen explained that the most difficult period came before the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, when hunger became routine. “If you gain weight, you may not be able to complete the dive. But if you eat too little, you don’t have the strength to train,” she said.

Asked how far her self-discipline goes, Chen replied with a smile, “As long as I don’t starve.”
When pushed further, she admitted that when extremely thirsty, she would take a sip of tap water, rinse her mouth, and spit it out.

Her remarks sparked widespread discussion online, with many praising her unwavering discipline and long-lasting athletic peak. As one comment put it, the scale Chen carries measures not only her weight—but also the determination of a true champion.