China claims team gold with Wukong-inspired routine

SINGAPORE — Wearing golden headbands reminiscent of the legendary Monkey King, China's artistic swimmers brought the myth to life in a powerful Wukong-inspired routine to win gold in the team technical event at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships on Tuesday.

Their performance, based on the popular Chinese video game Black Myth: Wukong, earned China 307.8001 points — edging out longtime rival Russia, competing under the name Neutral Athletes B (NAB), which finished second with 300.6183 points. Spain was third with 294.8575.

"This is a very special day," said head coach Zhang Xiaohuan. "It's the first time the Chinese artistic swimming team has been able to directly compete against our biggest rivals on a stage like this. It's a moment we've waited a long time for."