From the Stage to the Studio

During the last two months China lost two Diving Superstars, 杨威 (Chén Ruòlín) and 吴敏霞 (Wú Mǐnxiá), who retired due to physical reasons. The Chinese press and media, for instance sports.china.com, noted how the two girls abandoned the stage with different styles. But it’s not only a question of style, I guess. 杨威 (Chén Ruòlín) retired almost in silence, due to a serious spine injury. She’s still young (24 year-old) and so far her noteworthy career expanded quite smoothly, practically without concurrents. On the contrary, 吴敏霞 (Wú Mǐnxiá) retired melodramatically, amid tears and fears, and with a grand farewell ceremony held in her honour. Unlike 杨威 (Chén Ruòlín), 吴敏霞 (Wú Mǐnxiá) is no longer so young (31 year-old) and her incomparable career was not so smooth due to the concurrence of Diving Superstars such as 郭晶晶 (Guō Jīngjīng). Although 吴敏霞 (Wú Mǐnxiá)’s personality is as strong as fragile, and some aspects of her life remain quite enigmatic, there are signs of both shyness and spontaneity in her iron self-discipline that reveal a “humanity” which call for forgiveness, even if the Goddess is objectively perfect. Even though 吴敏霞 (Wú Mǐnxiá) is as shy, sober and reserved as 杨威 (Chén Ruòlín), 上海 (Shànghǎi)’s girl was always able to unveil her shadow and light to others: her mother’s illness, her secret romance, her fragility, her innocent vanity. As a diver she was (is) universally adored for her grace, elegance, and aesthetic perfection. An inimitable trademark like Giotto’s O. Chinese divers are all gold machines, but 吴敏霞 (Wú Mǐnxiá) is the one and only 吴敏霞 (Wú Mǐnxiá), even when she doesn’t win.

杨威 (Chén Ruòlín) and 吴敏霞 (Wú Mǐnxiá)
Photo: sports.china.com