Interview: China writes "new chapter of history" in artistic swimming, says coach Tarres

China's breakthrough win at the World Aquatics Championships marked "a new chapter in the history of Chinese artistic swimming", said coach Ana Tarres, as the team now sets its sights on double gold at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

by sportswriters Wang Zijiang and Yue Chenxing

SINGAPORE, July 24 (Xinhua) -- China has captured three gold and three silver medals so far in artistic swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, marking a major milestone for the team.

Behind the scenes of the success is a familiar figure in the sport: Spanish coaching legend Ana Tarres.

For Tarres, who joined China's national artistic swimming team ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the results are both a breakthrough and a sign of what lies ahead.

"What we've done in this competition, especially winning the team technical event with the Russian athletes participating, is a new chapter in the history of Chinese artistic swimming," Tarres told Xinhua. "It's the first time China has ever beaten the strong rival in a competition where they were both present. I think this is a good motivation for the girls. Nothing is impossible through a lot of work, discipline, commitment and swimming. That's a step forward."

While China earned its first Olympic gold in artistic swimming at the Paris Games - a feat made possible in part by the Russian athletes' absence - this year's World Championships victory came with the Russian athletes back in the pool, competing under the name Neutral Athletes B (NAB).

In the team technical final, China topped the standings, finishing 7.1818 points ahead of its longtime rival.

Tarres, 56, is no stranger to international podiums. As Spain's head coach from 1997 to 2012, she guided her teams to four Olympic medals, 26 World Championship medals and 25 European medals. She joined China in 2023 and has played a key role in its rise to Olympic champion status.

"What I mostly do is to put in value the talent that they have," she said. "I'm very good in teamwork. I'm very good at trying to get the best version of each swimmer and trying to detect the talent, trying to put it at the service of the team, and then everyone takes benefit of it."

Tarres splits her time between Spain and China, depending on the team's preparation cycle.

The results, she says, speak for themselves. China's athletes exceeded expectations in Singapore, particularly in the marquee team technical and free routines.

"The team events are the king and queen of the sport," Tarres said. "This is our main goal, and we're on the right path."

Looking ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Tarres is focused on sustaining China's momentum. "We only have two chances in the Games - team and duet - and our goal is clear: go for gold in both," she said.

Tarres' coaching career hasn't been without controversy. She parted ways with the Spanish federation in 2012 after allegations of authoritarian coaching - claims she has consistently denied.

Now focused firmly on the future, Tarres says she's not looking back.

"This is the past. Let's focus on the present and the future." ■