Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Supported by World Aquatics’ global partner Nongfu Spring, the Champions Clinic initiative aims to bring aquatics closer to Chinese communities by providing children with direct exposure to elite sports, athlete mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities designed to encourage long-term participation in aquatic sports.
In Beijing, before the Diving World Cup - Super Final, 30 children aged 7 to 15 participated in a combined session with 15 Nongfu Spring programme participants and 15 local diving club members. The session featured interactions with athletes such as Chen Yuxi, Wang Zhongyuan, and Chen Yiwen, including Q&A sessions, behind-the-scenes access on competition day, and a 30-minute clinic combining dryland and pool-based activities.
Wang Zhongyuan, a Chinese diver and participant in his fourth Champions Clinic, emphasized how the event offers children a unique way to experience aquatics and connect with elite athletes, hoping it encourages young people to adopt active lifestyles.
This year, an expanded behind-the-scenes experience provided participants with extensive access to athletes' pre-competition routines, including warm-up areas, call rooms, and athlete entrances. This opportunity builds on previous successful activations at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore involving university students and Chinese champions.
In Xi’an, an Artistic Swimming Champions Clinic was held during the Super Final, gathering 24 children aged 6 to 12, evenly split between Nongfu Spring participants and local club swimmers. This session included athlete interaction, behind-the-scenes competition-day access, and training sessions introducing the fundamentals of artistic swimming.
Both clinics aim to grow aquatics in China by inspiring children already engaged in aquatic sports and those beginning their athletic journeys. Through exposure to elite competition environments, World Aquatics and Nongfu Spring seek to promote healthy lifestyles, increase participation, and support the long-term development of aquatic sports nationwide.