Injuries nearly forced an end to Chen's gold-plated diving career

China's Chen Ruolin said she almost quit diving before deciding to compete at in Rio, where she secured her fifth gold medal on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old teamed up with Liu Huixia to win the synchronized 10m platform final at Maria Lenk Aquatics Center.

The pair finished just 9.66 points ahead of silver medalists Cheong Jun Hoong and Pamg Pandelela Rinong of Malaysia.

Canada's Meaghan Benfeito and Roseline Filion took bronze, 17.82 points behind the winners.

"Over the past two years, I have struggled a lot and it has not been easy," Chen said.

"I have even thought about quitting the sport altogether, but I'm still here.

"Diving has really taken a toll on my body. I had to go through a lot of conditioning to get back to how I felt before. And now, it's like all of the pressure is gone, and I'm very relieved."

Chen had words of praise for her partner Liu, an 18-year-old who is making her Olympic debut.

"I think she is doing very well, especially since this is her first Olympics," Chen said.

"It's normal for her to be nervous, but she still did very well."

Chen has now won the synchronized 10m platform gold at three consecutive Olympic Games.

She also secured the individual 10m platform titles at the past two Games.

China has won all three diving finals so far in Rio.

On Sunday, Shi Tingmao and Wu Minxia took gold in the women's synchronized 3m springboard and on Monday Chen Aisen and Lin Yue secured the men's synchronized 10m platform title.