The Artistic Swimming World Cup is set to make a return this weekend to the Xi’an Olympic Sports Centre in Shaanxi Province, China. The 4,000-seater Aquatics Centre, renowned for its cutting-edge design and facilities, hosted last year’s World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup Super-Final and the Diving World Cup Super-Final in 2024, cements its place as a hub for aquatic excellence.
In the lead-up to the competition, athletes made full use of the practice sessions to refine their routines and took time to share their thoughts about the competition ahead. With the event scheduled to commence Friday, coinciding with the Labour Day long weekend in China, the excitement and anticipation are palpable among the athletes.
European champion Klara Bleyer has collected medals of every colour from various events in the first two stops and currently leads the rankings for both the Women’s Solo Technical and Women’s Solo Free.
Being the leader comes with a certain pressure, and she embraces it: “It's very nice to be ranked first. It gives me even more push to keep going and hopefully stay there. It's good pressure, because otherwise it would be boring. The pressure keeps me going and growing.” She has fond memories of the audience from last year and looks forward to performing in front of a packed stand: “There were many children in the crowd with clappers, cheering us on. It was very cute, and I loved it.”
"It's good pressure, because otherwise it would be boring. The pressure keeps me going and growing."
Following Bleyer’s lead in the rankings is Belarus’ Vasilina Khandoshka, whose recent performances have been impressive. She comes into Xi’an in strong form, having earned a bronze in Women’s Solo Free in Medellin and a gold in Women’s Solo Technical in Paris.
She is pleased to return and compete in a pool that feels like home. “The pool in Xi’an reminds me of the one I usually train in, and I’m so happy to be back.”
The comfort doesn’t mean the dissipation of nerves: “Of course, I feel a little nervous with each competition, but during my routine, I try to be in the moment and connect with the judges and the audience. I feel like a stage actress, feeding off the energy of the audience and in return, I hope to give them some of me, and they can feel the joy from my routine.”
"I try to be in the moment and connect with the judges and the audience. I feel like a stage actress, feeding off the energy of the audience."
Great Britain’s Isabelle Thorpe echoes the importance of connecting with the audience. “I remember them being really loud; it was a good atmosphere. We do a lot of cool connections on the side before we dive into the water, and I could hear people going ‘Wow’ before I dived in. I really embrace that, and I think it adds to the performance. It helps spur me on throughout the routine. I love it.”
Thorpe, along with teammate Ranjuo Tomblin leads the rankings for both the Mixed Duet Technical and Mixed Duet Free, and like Bleyer, she is invigorated rather than intimidated by the competition. “I think it's quite exciting. I like a challenge. I like the competition, the rivalry, and the fight to see what's going to happen. It’s a really nice community, so it never feels like too much pressure. It’s nice to see everyone at the competitions.”
“I remember them being really loud; it was a good atmosphere. We do a lot of cool connections on the side before we dive into the water, and I could hear people going ‘Wow’ before I dived in.
Closer to home, China’s rising artistic swimming star, Guo Muye, is excited to compete in front of a home crowd. The competition holds special significance for the 17-year-old, who will make his debut in a team event at an international competition in Xi’an.
“This is my first time representing the country in a team event, and it’s happening here, in our country, so I definitely feel the pressure. My family and friends will be in the audience, so I’m both nervous and motivated. Ultimately, we want to give the audience a great experience.”
“This is my first time representing the country in a team event, and it’s happening here, in our country, so I definitely feel the pressure."
Spectators in Xi’an can look forward to a standout routine from the home team – a tribute to the famed Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an. The team's costumes are crafted in earthy tones closely mimicking the iconic hue of the Terracotta Warriors, creating a striking visual connection. Special attention is also being given to their hairpieces, ensuring the swimmers resemble the warriors while in the water.
The third stop of the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup begins tomorrow, and fans can watch all the action streamed LIVE & ON DEMAND. Find out the best ways to watch in your territory HERE.