Since the introduction of dedicated men's solo events in 2023, and with the inclusion of men in artistic swimming team events at the Paris 2024 Olympics, many major competitions now regularly feature mixed duets, all three team routines, and men's solo events.
Artistic swimming is a blend of athleticism and artistry and this captivating sport demands strength, flexibility and creativity. For male athletes, their physique presents both unique advantages and challenges.
Head coach of China’s national artistic swimming team, Zhang Xiaohuan shared: “In team events, we must take into consideration anatomical differences between male and female athletes. For example, male swimmers typically have a longer torso relative to their legs compared to their female counterparts. This variation affects the alignment and synchronisation of the group.”
"Certain executions, movements and artistic impressions might also be a little more challenging for male athletes so we take extra care in our choreography to showcase the strength of all team members while maintaining visual harmony"
In Paris and Xi’an, China fielded five male athletes, a record number of male artistic swimmers representing one nation at a competition. Leading the troupe is China’s rising artistic swimming star, Guo Muye who is having an exceptional start to his season; he secured multiple gold medals in Paris and has continued his winning streak in Xi’an. Notably, Guo made history by becoming the first Chinese male athlete to participate in a team technical event at an international competition - an achievement that culminated in his team clinching the gold medal.
Joining Guo in the competition pool are four of his teenage peers. They shared their stories and spoke to World Aquatics after their events.
Lei Zichen
The 15-year-old made his international debut in Paris and took part in both solo events in Xi’an. Lei delivered a strong performance, finishing just outside the medals with a fourth-place result in the Men’s Solo Free event.
“I made a few mistakes in the Men’s Solo Technical because I was very nervous, but today I felt both mentally and physically stronger, which allowed me to perform at my usual level. Competing alongside so many experienced athletes has shown me how much I still have to learn. I will keep working on my artistic impression and the execution of my movements.
"Taking part in the World Cup has given me invaluable experience, and I’m determined to continue improving, and to do well at the national championship later this year!"
Shi Haoyue
Shi followed his older brother Shi Haoyu into the national team where he now serves as one of the coaches for Team China. Haoyu also holds the distinction of being the first male artistic swimmer to represent China.
When asked about having his brother as a coach, 19-year-old shared that he is held to higher standards than his teammates. In response, Haoyu explained, "I am indeed stricter with him than anyone else. To be part of the team and to represent the country, he needs to do his best. He needs to have the confidence and determination to give his all. This applies to everyone in the team, not just Haoyue. I’m very pleased for Haoyue, he is an athlete who strives hard and does his best, and kudos to him for working hard, and getting the chance to represent the country."
In Xi’an, Haoyue is taking part in both Mixed Duet events alongside team mate, Cao Yixin. After his Mixed Duet Technical event, he said: “I switched from swimming to artistic swimming when I was 14 after watching my brother perform his routines in the pool. In my mind, he looks better than I do in the pool!
“Today I am pleased as I have done my best for this event. We will continue to work on our technique for sure. We have another event in this competition and we will do our best.”
Chen Ke Yu
Ke Yu made the switch from swimming to artistic swimming when he was 13. He was puzzled when first asked to make the switch, as he didn’t think many men participated in artistic swimming. However, after training with the team for a while, he changed his mind. He thinks their strength is a benefit when it comes to executing some of the moves in the routine.
He is happy with his silver medal in the Open Team Free and dreams of bigger achievements. “Our coach told us to believe in ourselves, to believe in the team, to dare and to do our best. We’ve practised for a long time and we knew we could do well and deliver a good result. There is only a difference of 17 points between us and the gold medallists, so we will definitely work hard and do our best in the next competition.”
Chen Xiuping
Xiuping, 17, began his artistic swimming journey in 2019 after being scouted and encouraged to pursue the sport. With consistent effort, he started training with his provincial team in Sichuan and gradually made his way to the national team.
"There weren’t many male artistic swimmers when I joined the team. It was very interesting to me and I saw that as a challenge; I know I’ve made the right choice"
“There are movements that require a certain degree of flexibility and that does pose a challenge but I will continue to work hard.”
Xiuping along with Ke Yu claimed the silver medal in the Open Team Free event.