Shanghai's SPD Bank Oriental Sports Center served as the vibrant backdrop for the conclusion of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup 2024 on Oct 20, with team China emerging triumphant with a total of 24 medals, including six gold, 11 silver, and seven bronze, following the intense three-day competition.

Drawing over 200 swimmers, including 19 Olympic champions, to engage in 34 individual races within the 25-meter short-course tournament, the event showcased a stellar lineup of top-tier athletes. Notable participants included France's Leon Marchand, Austria's Kaylee McKeown, Italy's Thomas Ceccon, America's Kate Douglass and Regan Smith, as well as China's Pan Zhanle and Zhang Yufei, among others.

Tang Qianting, a local swimmer from Shanghai, captured the spotlight by securing gold in the women's 50m breaststroke event, setting a new Asian record with an impressive time of 28.76 seconds. The 20-year-old athlete also claimed the top spot in the women's 100m breaststroke, equalling China's Qing Haiyang for the most gold medals attained within team China.

Reflecting on her achievements in 2024, Tang shared, "Winning a gold medal at the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha in February gave me great confidence. In addition, the setbacks I faced at the Paris Olympics helped me grow significantly."

As the new season kicked off, Marchand and Douglass emerged as frontrunners in the overall World Cup standings, accruing 58.3 and 59.1 points, respectively. The French swimming sensation continued his dominance by clinching three gold medals during the championship, while Douglass of the United States celebrated two victories the Shanghai swimming pool.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the city, Marchand remarked, "It's my first time in Shanghai, and I love it. I am trying to meet new people and explore the city." The World Aquatics Swimming World Cup 2024 not only showcased exceptional talent and fierce competition but also highlighted Shanghai's growing prominence as a hub for international sporting events.