China's Ren becomes youngest gold medallist at Rio Olympics

Teenage diver Ren Qian became the youngest gold medallist at the Rio Olympics by winning the 10m platform final on Thursday.

The 15-year-old finished with 439.25 points to beat her compatriot Si Yajie by 19.85 points at the Maria Lenk Aquatics Centre. Canada's Meaghan Benfeito took bronze with 389.20 points.

Ren started inauspiciously before posting scores of 94.05, 91.20 and 91.20 with her final three dives.

Ren in the competition. Photo By: Xinhua

"When I won I cried with joy," said Ren, who became China's first Olympic medal winner born this millennium.

"I want to thank my mother, my coaches and the rest of the team for helping me. I didn't perform by best in the heats and semifinals but I was able to keep cool when it mattered today, especially in my last three dives."

Her teammate, Si, was gracious in defeat, saying that Ren was a deserving Olympic champion.

Ren (middle) shows her medal. Photo By: Xinhua

"Ren had a wonderful final, Si said. "I expected to win the gold but I can accept the silver because Ren was better."

China has now won six of the seven diving gold medals decided so far at the Rio Olympics.

The last diving event here - the men's 10m platform final - will be staged on Saturday.

(APD)