China’s rising star Xu Huiyan made history on Saturday by winning the women’s solo technical gold medal at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. This marks the first time China has secured gold in this event at the senior world championships.
The 19-year-old sensation, who claimed four gold medals at last month’s Artistic Swimming World Cup Super Final in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, dazzled the judges with a stunning performance, earning an impressive 272.9917 points.
“I am thrilled to bring home the gold for China,” Xu said after her victory. “This has been a dream come true, and I hope to continue improving and making my country proud.”
Vasilina Khandoshka of Belarus, competing as a neutral athlete, took the silver with 260.5416 points. Spain’s Iris Tio Casas rounded out the podium, claiming bronze with 260.2917 points.
Earlier in the day, Xu also showcased her versatility by participating in the team free preliminaries, helping China qualify for the final in first place.
In the men’s solo technical event, China’s Guo Muye delivered a strong performance, finishing fourth with 235.0725 points. The gold medal went to Aleksandr Maltsev of Russia, competing as a neutral athlete, who scored 251.7133 points in his solo debut. Maltsev, 30, is renowned as the first male artistic swimmer from Russia to achieve international success, having previously won silver in the mixed duet at the 2015 World Championships.
Spain’s Dennis Gonzalez secured the silver with 241.1667 points, while Mexico’s Diego Carrillo took bronze with 238.1600 points.
The World Aquatics Championships continue to highlight the incredible talent emerging in artistic swimming, with young athletes like Xu Huiyan leading the way.
