After 13 years, Shanghai, which was born by the water, has once again become associated with the world's top swimming events. Following the 2011 World Swimming Championships, the Oriental Sports Center, located on the banks of the Huangpu River, ushered in the "heat wave" of the FINA Swimming World Cup Shanghai Station.
"As the first stop of this year's Swimming World Cup, Shanghai is unsurpassed." In his opening speech, FINA President Hussein · Al-Musalam spoke highly of Shencheng, "For athletes, this is an unparalleled host city. ”
In the past three days, the wonderful competition of top athletes, the enthusiastic support of Shencheng swimming fans, the professional organization, thoughtful service and efficient guarantee of the event have jointly embodied the "unparalleled host city".
In the turbulent blue pool, 19 Olympic champions led the way to win gold medals in 34 events, setting a world record, six Games records and a world youth record. In the full stands, swimming fans from all over the world gathered because of their love, cheered for the athletes in their own way, and created a warm atmosphere on the field.
Reagan · Smith, who won three gold medal United States s, was so impressed by the atmosphere that she exclaimed after winning the gold medal in the 200m butterfly: "It's a great experience to compete here!" Everyone is passionate about swimming, everyone is friendly to me, and it's always fun to be with people who love the sport. ”
Italy athlete Chekong, who has many swimming fans in China, not only learned the history of the World Championships held by the Oriental Sports Center, but also learned a few words of Chinese under the guidance of Pan Zhanle. "Everything was stunning! The city, the venues and the audience, all left a good impression on me. After winning the men's 100m freestyle, the popular Olympic champion has been able to naturally face the camera and say "I'm great" in Chinese.
In order to allow athletes from all over the world to have a richer experience, the organizers have specially arranged a series of experience activities before the competition. Climb the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, take a night cruise on the Pujiang River, listen to opera, and taste tea...... From city landmarks to street markets, the contestants experienced the urban culture of Shencheng's characteristics.
"It's a great feeling to play in Shanghai. I walked around the city, experienced the tea culture, and enjoyed the Chinese culture a lot. Dylan · Carter from Trinidad and Tobago, after winning the men's 50m freestyle, said, "It's different from the Caribbean, maybe we're more relaxed, it's more organised, everything is running really smoothly and I'm grateful for that." ”
Marchand, the "four-gold king" of the Paris Olympics, who also came to Shanghai for the first time, used "cool" to describe his first impression of Shencheng. "I love it so much, I even think it's a little crazy. I'm trying to meet new people and want to visit the city more often. "I enjoyed the competition very much and got to know Shanghai very well. Everything went smoothly. ”
While improving the experience of the athletes, the organizing committee of the event has added 800 grandstand seats in the limited space, specially set up sideline seats that can communicate with the athletes at close range, and carefully arranged the interaction of star athletes on the tour every day, and a series of intimate measures to let the fans get a better viewing experience. When the players on the field and the spectators in the stands enjoy it and go home happy, this "incomparable" answer sheet lives up to its name.
Text: Reporter of this newspaper / Gu Miao
Photo: Reporter of this newspaper / Chen Long
Editor: Chen Haixiang