BEIJING: China’s beloved “Diving Queen” Quan Hongchan has once again amazed her fans by being named Sports Person of the Year and making her magazine debut on the cover alongside other Chinese stars.
On Feb 9, the country’s People magazine officially announced its 2025 cover line-up.
It features eight phenomenal figures who made a significant impact in their respective fields in 2025.
The line-up includes Quan Hongchan, Xin Zhilei, Tony Leung Ka-fai, Shu Qi, Shan Yichun, Liu Jiakun, Zhi Huijun and Zhang Jiahao.
Established in 1980, People magazine is one of China’s earliest publications dedicated to biographical profiles, known for spotlighting prominent figures and high-end contemporary personalities.
The eight individuals were selected as representative icons of 2025, each recognised for their excellence in fields ranging from sports to entertainment and hi-tech innovation.
For example, actress Xin Zhilei earned acclaim by winning Best Actress at the 2025 Venice Film Festival.
Among the cover stars is 18-year-old diver Quan, wearing twin braids and a serious expression. The choice quickly went viral on mainland social media.
The magazine feature also emphasises that her transformation has not been merely physical, as 2025 marked both her 18th birthday and her official transition into adulthood.
The magazine named Quan as its Sports Person of the Year, stating:
“In 2025, Quan Hongchan turned 18 and officially stepped into adulthood. This year, she endured the harsh realities of physical development and injury.
“After a period of rest and adjustment, she returned to competition at the National Games of China and won the gold medal in the women’s synchronised 10-metre platform event.”
The article further noted: “Quan Hongchan’s journey into adulthood has been full of complexity and confusion, yet she has consistently pursued joy and brought happiness to others.
“This spirit of joyful perseverance is one of the rarest and most treasured qualities in Chinese competitive sports. We have selected her as the 2025 Sports Person of the Year.”
The recognition marks Quan’s first appearance on the cover of a mainstream magazine.
Just weeks before the cover release, Quan had already stirred a social media buzz with a completely different image: she shared photographs of herself picking strawberries in a field, sporting long, flowing hair, showing a fresh, youthful look that captivated her fans.
The magazine photographs revealed a drastically different look from her girl-next-door image.
One online observer said: “Quan Hongchan has truly grown up. She is now able to carry a range of styles and is finally embracing looks she may have once been hesitant to try.”
Another said: “She is redefining what it means to be China’s new sports idol, with strength, style and confidence.” - South China Morning Post
