(From left) Gold medalist Shi Tingmao and silver medalist Wang Han pose with a Chinese national flag after the match on Sunday in Tokyo. Photo: Cui Meng/GT

China's Shi Tingmao claimed her second gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics with a victory in the ­women's 3-meter springboard diving on Sunday, becoming the second woman to retain both individual and synchronized titles at the Games. 

The 29-year-old Shi finished with 383.50 points at the spectator-free Tokyo Aquatics Center, more than 34 points ahead of her synchronized diving partner Wang Han who finished second.

"Great athletes always need great opponents. Whether they are first or second, they are both valued athletes," Shi told reporters after the race. 

"There is no shortcut for success. It takes hard work in training and nothing else."

Shi revealed that mental pressure since last year has had a massive impact on her preparations for the Olympics, until she turned to a psychiatrist.

"I was in a pretty bad condition last year. After consulting, I think I have a different understanding of life," Shi said. 

"I don't want to be a person who gives up halfway."

The victory enabled her to match ­compatriot Guo Jingjing's back-to-back double 3-meter springboard golds at the Athens and Beijing Olympics, and it was China's ninth consecutive Olympic gold in an ­individual event. Guo is now one of the judges of diving competitions at the Tokyo Olympics.

But Shi is reluctant to be compared with Guo.

"Being selected for the national team means you are excellent," Shi said. 

"Winning gold medals is important for an athlete, but it is much more important to be a noble person."

Shi, champion in both events at Rio and again in the synchronized event earlier in Tokyo, dominated the diving pool after taking control of the competition from the start and never gave up her position at the top of the leader board.

Shi has been troubled by waist and foot injuries, but shrugs off the concerns. The Tokyo Olympics is likely to be her last. 

"The diving team has a saying, 'Walking down from the podium, everything start from zero.' I am competing for victory," Shi said, when asked whether she was more relieved to be competing in the individual event after claiming a gold medal in the synchro. "Every athlete has injuries. It is not an excuse for not doing your best."

Shi Tingmao competes in the women's 3-meter springboard final at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday. Photo: VCG