Chen Wen, Tom Daley’s ex-dive coach and friend, has died at 80.
Chen was instrumental in Daley’s success as an Olympian. He also coached him at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
Daley was just 14 when Chen guided him to Bejing, where he won his first Olympic medal.
British Diving’s Julian Bellan gave tribute to Chen, and described his incredible influence on the sport.
He said that Chen’s influence and legacy on British Diving’s modern age is undeniable. He tirelessly donated his time throughout his tenure of National Coach to help young divers and coaches.
Tom Daley’s old diving coach Chen Wen (pictured 2008) has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Chen had a pivotal role in Daley’s success and was his coach for the Bejing Olympics.
His influence over the shaping of senior teams’ futures has been obvious for the past 20 years. Tonia Couch, Sarah Barrow, Tom Daley and Sarah Barrow were some of the prominent names who came under his stewardship in Beijing during the junior team training camps. Maria Papworth and Scarlett Mew -Jensen were both coached by Chen at the start of their careers.
“He will be missed.
Chen is regarded among diving’s pioneering coaches. He helped to make Team GB a medal-winning team as a British Diving coach in 2003.
Chen is considered one of the most innovative coaches in diving and assisted Daley at his Olympic debut, just 14 years old.
Chen assisted Leon Taylor and Peter Waterfield to win silver at the 2004 Athens Games. He then retired from that position following the Beijing Olympics.
Chen was then appointed to a coaching role at Crystal Palace Diving Club during the time that followed Chen’s death.
Chen would have to step aside after the Bejing Games. However, Daley would become one the most skilled divers on the planet.
After claiming bronze in Rio 2016, London 2012, and Rio 2016, the 27-year old would finally win gold with Matty Lee at last summer’s Games in 10m synchro.
Daley was able to win his first Olympic medal of gold last summer at the Tokyo Games.
Jack Buckner, chief executive of British Swimming, also paid tribute Chen.
He shared the following: “It was with deep sadness that I learned about Chen Wen’s passing.
“He was highly regarded by the diving community, and his legacy is still alive through the many athletes and coaches he fostered in the sport.