Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
China’s national artistic swimming team features five male swimmers, a record for the most male artistic swimmers from one nation at a World Aquatics competition. The team is led by Guo Muye, who has excelled this season by winning multiple gold medals in Paris and Xi’an.
Guo Muye made history as the first Chinese male athlete to participate in a team technical event at the international level. His team won a gold medal in this event.
According to Zhang Xiaohuan, head coach of the Chinese team, anatomical differences between male and female athletes are considered in team events. Males generally have longer torsos relative to their legs, affecting alignment and synchronization. The coaching staff adapts choreography to highlight the strengths of all athletes while maintaining visual balance.
Fifteen-year-old Lei Zichen made his international debut in Paris and competed in solo events in Xi’an, finishing fourth in the Men’s Solo Free event. He reported feeling nervous during the technical event but improved in his free routine. Lei expressed determination to further develop his artistic impression and execution.
Nineteen-year-old Shi Haoyue also competes in Mixed Duet events, alongside Cao Yixin. Shi follows his older brother, Shi Haoyu, who is now a coach and was the first male artistic swimmer to represent China. Shi Haoyue said having his brother as his coach raises the standards for his performances.