Divers fiercely competed all year long, with the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest serving as the highlight. Voting is now officially open for the 2022 men’s and women’s athlete of the year honours.
The public polling is balanced with votes also being cast by top retired athletes, technical officials, sports leaders and members of the media. Stay tuned - the winners will be revealed at this year’s World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka.
The women’s field is as competitive as ever this year, with one of diving’s all-time greats and six-time athlete of the year winner Shi Tingmao announcing her retirement last April. The reigning men’s athlete of the year, Xie Siyi, also retired following his dominant performance at Tokyo 2020.
Meet the 2022 Women’s Diving Athlete of the Year Nominees
17-year-old Chen Yuxi (CHN) has already proven her dominance at a young age. Yuxi claimed two golds at the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest in the 10m platform and synchronized 10m platform. Yuxi brought home another gold medal at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup in the 10m platform and 10m synchronized. She looks to continue another successful year in 2023.
Chen Yiwen (CHN) won two gold medals in Budapest in the 3m springboard and synchronized 10m platform alongside her teammate Quan Hongchan. The 23-year-old also claimed a gold medal at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup in the 3m springboard and 3m synchronized.
21-year-old Quan Hongchan (CHN) had a dominant run at the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, bringing home a gold and silver medal. Hongchan received a silver medal in the 10m platform at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup.
Mia Vallee (CAN), 22, was able to claim a silver medal in the 3m springboard at the World Aquatics Championships in Budapest, as well as a bronze in the 1m springboard final for the first podium appearance of her career at a World Aquatics Championship.
Meet the 2022 Men’s Diving Athlete of the Year Nominees
21-year-old Wang Zongyuan (CHN) put on quite the performance in Budapest, bringing home three gold medals. Zongyuan topped the podium in the 1m springboard, 3m springboard, and synchronized 3m springboard. Zongyuan also received a gold medal at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup in the 3m platform and in the 3m synchronized.
Yang Jian (CHN) had strong performances throughout the year, bringing home a gold medal in the 10m platform in Budapest. The 29-year-old also claimed the gold medal at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup in the 10m springboard and 10m platform.
Yang Hao (CHN) came out on top with his teammate Lian Junjie in Budapest’s synchronized 10m platform. The 25-year-old also claimed a bronze medal in the 10m platform. Hao won another gold medal in the 10m synchronized at the World Aquatics Diving World Cup.
Jack Laugher (GBR), 28, put on an impressive performance in Budapest, winning three medals. Laugher came in second in the 1m springboard, synchronized 3m springboard, and third in the 3m springboard.
Vote Now!
High Diving voting will conclude the week tomorrow, June 17. Be sure to cast your vote!