The Chinese mainland's artistic swimmers made a splash on Friday at the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup first leg in Beijing, securing three golds and one silver on the opening day! 🏅🌊
Leading the charge, Xu Huiyan triumphed in the women's solo technical event with an impressive 244.9183 points, outpacing neutral international athlete Vasilina Khandoshka and Aruba's Kyra Hoevertsz. Xu, an 18-year-old bronze medalist from the World Championships in Doha, shared her excitement: \"In 2024, I have gained much experience at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha and the Artistic Swimming World Cup this time, which helped me grow up and get mature. I still need to improve myself and adjust to the new changes to the rules.\" 🌟
The team technical event saw China's squad clinch the title with a stellar performance, finishing 21.1569 points ahead of Australia and followed by Kazakhstan. 🥇🥈🥉
In the mixed duet technical event, young talents Ji Heyue and Guo Muye brought home China's third gold medal, with Kazakhstan and Spain taking the silver and bronze respectively. Guo, just 15, expressed her joy: \"There was a sense of happiness and achievement when I stood on the podium. All our efforts were paid off at that moment.\" 💖 After her gold performance, Guo also secured a silver in the men's solo technical event, finishing behind Spain's Jordi Caceres Iglesias and Italy's Filippo Pelati.
With around 100 elite artistic swimmers from 14 teams competing, the first leg of this year's World Cup series promises exciting performances over the next three days. Upcoming events on Saturday include the women's and men's solo free, women's duet technical, and team free events. Stay tuned for more thrilling aquatic action! 🌍💬✨
