China's artistic swimming team made a spectacular start at the FINA World Cup Super Final in Xi'an on Friday, securing three gold medals and one silver. The home team captivated audiences with culturally rich performances blending mythology and technical precision, signaling their readiness for global competitions.
Cultural Flair Meets Athletic Excellence
The Chinese team opened with a show-stopping routine inspired by the Black Myth: Wukong video game, scoring 277.2258 points. Head coach Zhang Xiaohuan emphasized the fusion of Qin Dynasty grandeur with modern choreography: "We are paying our respect to our home ground." Veteran swimmer Chang Hao acknowledged ongoing refinements but praised the team's progress after seven months of intensive training.
New Partnerships Shine
Teenage duo Xu Huiyan and Lin Yanjun claimed gold in the women's duet technical event with their Moon Shadow Dancer routine, scoring 289.6150 points despite only three weeks of joint training. Xu, a 2024 World Championship bronze medalist, noted: "Our synchronization needs work, but we're improving fast." Xu later added a solo technical gold to her tally.
Global Competition Heats Up
Spain and Japan trailed closely in team events, with Spanish swimmer Paula Ramirez Ibanez praising China's "super artistic" performance. Mexico's Diego Villalobos Carrillo edged out China's 17-year-old Guo Muye for men's solo technical gold, though Guo's silver marked a promising international debut.
The competition continues Saturday with four events, including mixed duet technical and team free routines.
