Supported by World Aquatics’ Global Partner Nongfu Spring, the Champions Clinic initiative continues to play a key role in bringing aquatics closer to communities, offering children direct exposure to elite sport environments, athlete mentorship and hands-on learning experiences designed to inspire lifelong participation in sport.

In Beijing, ahead of the Diving World Cup - Super Final, 30 children aged 7-15 took part in a combined session featuring 15 participants from the Nongfu Spring programme and 15 from local diving clubs. The clinic included a meet and greet with some of the competing athletes, including Chen Yuxi, Wang Zhongyuan and Chen Yiwen. The session also involved athlete Q&A sessions, a behind-the-scenes experience of a competition day and a 30-minute dryland and pool-based clinic for club athletes.

Speaking about his fourth clinic with World Aquatics and Nongfu Spring, Wang Zhongyuan of China stated; 

“For many of these children, the Champions Clinic is not only their first opportunity to interact with elite athletes, but also a chance to experience aquatics in a completely new way. Being able to answer their questions and share moments from our own journeys helps create a real connection with the sport. I hope the clinic leaves them with lasting memories and encourages more young people to embrace healthy, active lifestyles through aquatics.”
By Wang Zhongyuan

A key new addition this year was the expanded behind the scenes experience, building on successful activations previously delivered at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore with university students and Chinese champions. Young participants were given the rare opportunity to follow athletes through their full pre-competition journey, from warm-up areas and call rooms to the athlete entrance, offering an authentic glimpse into the atmosphere and discipline required at the highest level of diving.

In Xi’an, the Artistic Swimming Champions Clinic ran in parallel with the Super Final, bringing together 24 children aged 6-12, split evenly between Nongfu Spring participants and local club swimmers. The session followed a similar format, combining athlete interaction, a behind the scenes competition-day experience and tailored training activities designed to introduce the fundamentals of artistic swimming.

Both clinics shared the same overarching objective: to grow aquatics in China by inspiring not only children already engaged in sport, but also those taking their first steps in aquatics and physical activity. By opening the doors to elite competition environments, World Aquatics and Nongfu Spring aim to promote healthy lifestyles, broaden participation and strengthen the long-term development of aquatics nationwide.