The U.S. women’s diving team’s reaction to their Chinese counterparts’ celebratory pose in Paris went viral over the past week, sparking buzz on social media.
Olympic debutants Chen Yiwen and Chang Yani claimed China’s first gold medals in the women’s 3m synchronized springboard diving on Saturday after beating teams from the United States and Great Britain in the final.
The Chinese duo scored 337.68 to beat Americans Sarah Bacon and Kassidy Cook, nicknamed “Cook’N’Bacon”, who scored 314.64 and Britain’s Yasmine Harper and Scarlett Mew Jensen, who finished with a score of 302.28.
After receiving their medals, Chen carried Chang in his arms and posed for a photo atop the podium.
As a result, Cook’s astonishing reaction was captured and sparked a frenzy on social media.
Chinese Olympic athletes Chan Yiwen and Chang Yani’s celebration in Paris went viral on the Internet
American jumper Kassidy Cook’s reaction to seeing Chen carrying Chang sparked a frenzy on social media
As their celebration continues to gain traction online, users began speculating that the gold-winning duo were romantically involved outside of their field.
One Xiaohongshu user began romanticizing his partner with a series of photos of them during various competitions, with the caption: “If love has miracles, I would be the happiest creating them with you.”
“The most romantic thing is to have your names engraved together in the history of sport,” commented another user.
Twitter page @Football Report later claimed Chen and Chang are a real couple, sharing an adorable mirror selfie said to have been taken from one of their social media accounts.
A Twitter page later reported that Chen and Chang are in a relationship as speculation grew.
The duo/pair brought home China’s first gold in synchronized diving with a score of 337.68.
The Americans took the silver medal while Great Britain took bronze on Saturday.
Regardless of whether their relationship is genuine or fanfiction, fans agreed that Chen and Chang’s joint feat and mutual support has forever tied them together in the history books of China.
‘Chen Yiwen and Chang Yani as individuals or together as an award-winning duo, both are equally unique and beautiful,’ one user said.
“No matter what their relationship is, I am moved by their strong bond and hard work.”