Chinese athlete claims first gold of 2025 World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup
(ECNS) -- At the super final of 2025 World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup on Friday in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, Chinese swimmer Xu Huiyan claimed the first gold medal with a score of 258.7933 points in women's solo technical. Spain's Iris Tio Casas and neutral athlete Vasilina Khandoshka took second and third place, respectively.
In the competition, Xu was the last to perform. Known for her high-difficulty techniques and refined presentation, she impressed the audience with moves such as back floating, vertical upside-down holds, and rotations, all perfectly synchronized with the music. Her routine showcased a seamless blend of strength and artistic beauty in the pool.
As the highest-level artistic swimming competition of the year, this super final has brought together over 100 top athletes from 16 countries, including China, the UK, and Spain, to Xi'an over three days for titles in 11 events.
The competitors in the final are all very strong, said Xu after winning gold. She added that during the competition, she focused more on her own moves and execution rather than watching how others performed.
(By Gong Weiwei)