Husain Al-Musallam, president of the World Aquatics, expressed high expectations for Chinese swimmers and divers at the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris. In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), Al-Musallam praised China’s outstanding performance in aquatics at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where they claimed seven out of the eight diving gold medals and secured three golds, two silvers, and one bronze in swimming.
Speaking about his predictions for Chinese athletes at Paris 2024, Al-Musallam stated, I think from now to Paris, if they work hard, they take care of themselves, I think they will achieve very, very, very good result, highlighting their potential for success. Recognizing China’s exceptional performance in both the Olympic Games and the World Championships, he emphasized their high standards in aquatics, saying, I think the medal explains itself where is the Chinese aquatics now.
Among China’s prominent swimming talents are Qin Haiyang and Zhang Yufei, who amassed an impressive total of 23 titles in just three months last year. Qin was honored as the Best Male and Female Swimmer of the Year 2023. Al-Musallam credited their achievements to their dedicated training, stating, Swimming is a sport where whoever gives more time to the training will go up… I’m sure they will be the model for the future young Chinese swimmers.
While China’s dominance in diving remains undisputed, Al-Musallam acknowledged the emergence of new challengers such as Egypt and Mexico, signifying the growing popularity of the sport worldwide. He stressed the importance of China’s support in the development of diving, emphasizing that the World Aquatics relies on their assistance to advance the sport further.
The World Aquatics, formerly known as the Federation internationale de natation (FINA), underwent a name and logo change in December 2022. Al-Musallam, who has been associated with the organization since 1996, praised the modernized logo, which symbolizes unity across continents, oceans, and nations.
With China’s exceptional performance in swimming and diving leading up to the Paris Olympics, it is clear that they are a force to be reckoned with. As the international swimming community eagerly anticipates the games, all eyes will be on the Chinese athletes as they strive to achieve remarkable results once again.
In conclusion, Husain Al-Musallam, the president of the World Aquatics, expressed his confidence in China’s swimming and diving prowess, expecting them to excel at the Paris Olympic Games in 2024. With their impressive track record and a pool of exceptional talent, Chinese athletes are poised to make a strong impact in the sport. As the world eagerly awaits the competition, China’s aquatics team will undoubtedly be one to watch, showcasing their commitment, dedication, and exceptional skills on the international stage.
