Mexican diver Osmar Olvera ends China’s 18-year gold streak

Singapore — Osmar Olvera, a 21-year-old diver from Mexico, achieved a historic victory by defeating China’s dominance in the men’s 3-meter springboard event at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. With a near-perfect performance, Olvera secured the gold medal with a total score of 529.55 points, breaking China’s 18-year winning streak in the discipline.

A Landmark Triumph Against Chinese Dominance

Yuan Cao, the 2016 Olympic champion, took silver with 522.70 points, while Zongyuan Wang, the three-time defending world champion, settled for bronze with 515.55 points. China had won every gold medal in the men’s 3-meter springboard at World Championships since 2007. The last non-Chinese diver to claim the title was Canada’s Alexandre Despatie in 2005.

Olvera’s victory marks the first time a Mexican male diver has won gold in an Olympic event at a World Championships. The only previous Mexican diver to achieve this feat was Paola Espinosa, who won the women’s 10-meter platform in 2009. Both were trained by Chinese coach Ma Jin.

Precision and Determination Seal the Win

Olvera delivered a flawless performance, highlighted by a forward 4½ somersault in the pike position (difficulty 3.8) in the fifth round, earning a competition-high 102.60 points. Entering the final dive with a narrow 0.55-point lead over Cao, he sealed his victory with a forward 2½ somersault with three twists, securing an unbeatable total score.

This gold adds to Olvera’s growing legacy, making him Mexico’s most decorated diver in World Championships history with eight medals. His previous achievements include gold in the 1-meter springboard at Doha 2024 and bronze in the 3-meter springboard at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

A Champion’s Reflection

“Today was a great day. I woke up with confidence, convinced I could win that gold medal, and I did it,” Olvera said. “Once I was in the final, I told myself, ‘It’s now or never—you’ve trained for this, you’re going to achieve it.’”

He dedicated the win to his family, coach Ma Jin, and Mexican supporters, stating, “Mexico isn’t just about soccer—we’re among the best in the world in diving, and today I proved it.”

Looking ahead, Olvera aims to continue challenging China’s supremacy and pursue Olympic gold at Los Angeles 2028. “I want to keep competing against the Chinese, keep beating them, be that obstacle in their path,” he said.

Mexican Divers Continue Competition

The Mexican diving team’s campaign in Singapore continues with Aranza Vázquez and Fernanda García competing in the women’s 3-meter springboard semifinals, with finals scheduled for the same day.

Meanwhile, other nations, including the Netherlands, Hungary, and the United States, claimed gold medals in swimming events, while Great Britain secured its first gold in the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay.