China's artistic swimming team channeled the spirit of the legendary Monkey King to secure a dramatic victory in the team technical event at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on Tuesday. Dressed in golden headbands inspired by Sun Wukong, the athletes performed a routine themed around the popular video game Black Myth: Wukong, blending mythology with precision to score 307.8001 points.
The performance edged out rivals from Neutral Athletes B (NAB), representing Russia, who scored 300.6183 points, while Spain claimed bronze with 294.8575. The win marks a significant milestone for China's artistic swimming program, which has long sought to challenge traditional powerhouses in the sport.
Head coach Zhang Xiaohuan hailed the victory as a historic moment. "This gold medal doesn't feel any less important than the one we won at the Olympic Games in Paris," she said, emphasizing the team's technical improvements following preliminary rounds. "Our swimmers performed very well today… they earned this title."
The routine's cultural resonance, drawing from one of China's most iconic literary figures, captivated audiences and judges alike. The event underscores Asia's growing influence in global sports, combining athletic excellence with rich storytelling traditions.
