Chen continued performing at the highest levels of competition, taking first place at the 2001 World Cup in Ho Chi Minh City, second place at the 2001 World Championships in Jeju City, first place at the 2002 World Cup in Tokyo, and second place at the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, all in the 72 kg division. In 2003, she came third at the World Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. In 2004, Chen successfully defended her Olympic title at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, defeating Myriam Baverel of France. Chen Liren was coaching her at this time.