In a stunning debut as a duo, China’s Guo Sitong and Shi Haoyue captured the silver medal in the mixed duet technical final at the Artistic Swimming World Cup in Egypt. The pair’s impressive performance marked a significant moment in their careers, especially for 17-year-old Shi, who was competing in his first international event.
Taking to the water as the first of 11 pairs in the final, Guo and Shi set a high standard with a captivating routine that earned them a score of 196.1908 points. Their early lead showcased their synergy and the potential of their new partnership.
“It’s an incredible feeling to stand on the podium,” Shi said after the event. “Competing internationally for the first time and winning silver is beyond what I imagined. Guo and I worked hard, and we’re proud of our performance.”
The gold medal was secured by Spain’s Dennis Gonzalez Boneu and Mireia Hernandez Luna, who delivered a stellar performance scoring 207.3858 points. Italy’s Gabriele Minak and Sarah Rizea claimed the bronze, completing a competitive podium.
Guo, an experienced athlete in artistic swimming, praised her young partner. “Shi has shown great dedication and talent. We’re excited about what the future holds for us as a team.”
The silver medal adds to China’s growing reputation in artistic swimming, signaling a bright future for the sport in the nation. The duo’s success is expected to inspire other young athletes in the Global South to pursue their dreams in artistic swimming and other aquatic sports.
The Artistic Swimming World Cup continues to be a platform where new talents emerge and established athletes showcase their prowess, fostering a spirit of global sportsmanship and cultural exchange.
