As an athlete Bill May fought to reframe and redefine perceptions about what male artistic swimmers were capable of in the water. His efforts ultimately paved the path for a more inclusive sport which would see future generations of boys and men, thrive.
While it is now over two years since we last saw the history-making World champion contest a major event himself – as part of the USA team which claimed Acrobatic bronze at Doha 2024, May remains as committed to his cause ever.
In 2025 he became a regular part of World Aquatics’ World Cup presentational line-up, but the American still retains a strong influence in the water as well, assisting many of the world’s top athletes, including Ranjuo Tomblin (GBR).
The Briton, will look to build on a strong start to the season as part of an eight-strong men’s field for the third World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup contest of the season, in Xi’an (CHN), from 1-3 May.
Last season Tomblin marked his full graduation from junior starlet to senior star with a maiden World Championships honour, via Mixed Duet bronze at Singapore 2025.
Tomblin has been a regular World Cup and European Championship medal contender, as well as medal-winner, over the past two years, but with the help of May he now hopes to push himself to an even higher level.
"It’s such an honour to work with Bill as I’ve admired him since I started in the sport and to have him almost as a little mentor is incredible"
“I’ve wanted to improve my artistic impression and for me personally he just brings something different. It can be new transitions that we hadn’t thought of before, but also he brings that new energy."
Six-time World Championships medallist May has clearly enjoyed the opportunity to team-up with the British artistic swimmer himself too.
“It is an absolute pleasure to work with Ranjuo, who is very special athlete with a kindness and respect for his competitors as well as the process,” May tells World Aquatics. “In my eyes that is what creates a true champion even before stepping on to the pool deck."
May, together with Great Britain coach Stefania Speroni, helped choreograph both of Men’s Solo and Mixed Duet routines, the latter of which he performs with Olympic silver medallist Izzy Thorpe.
“I’ve also really appreciated the work he does to bring more out of our (Mixed Duet) routines as well,” says Tomblin. “I’m really hoping it’ll all work out well.”
The American is adamant it will, given not only the skills he believes the history-making Briton possesses, but also the focus and determination he consistently demonstrates.
“He (Tomblin) has the ‘eye-of-the-tiger’ where he’s not afraid to work hard and sometimes even stumble,” continues May.
"This is endlessly inspiring and creates such a tremendous atmosphere to work as a team with him, his partner and of course his coaches"
So far this season Tomblin has claimed Solo Tech gold at the season opening World Cup in Medelin, Colomba, as well as two silver medals at the Paris World Cup last month, where he twice finished behind China’s impressive teenager Guo Muye.
The pair will go head-to-head again in both disciplines at his home World Cup in Xi’an over the coming days.
The third World Cup, together with a planned appearance at the fourth leg (Pontevedra, ESP, 29-31 May) and the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup Super Final (Toronto, CAN, 19-21 June), will serve as important steps for Tomblin en route to the 2026 European Championships.
Artistic swimming’s annual continental showpiece will take place in Paris, France, from 31 July to 5 August
“We’re really looking to refine our routines heading towards the European Championships,” Toblin tells World Aquatics.
“As we don’t have a World Championships in 2026 it is arguably the biggest competition and with it being the host city of the last Olympics, where Izzy (Thorpe) and Kate (Shortman) won their silver medal it will be really special to go back.
“Hopefully we can continue this amazing form and have a great season.”