Byun Jae-jun and Kim Ji-hye, students of the Dept. of Coaching in the College of Physical Education at Kyung Hee University (KHU), recently achieved a remarkable top 10 performance at the World Aquatics Championships (WAC), marking a significant achievement as Korean athletes. These two athletes, proudly representing South Korea, have cherished a deep friendship and have trained as partners since their elementary school days. Interestingly, this event marked their first collaboration in a duet performance. Byun enthusiastically said, “My artistic talents harmonize perfectly with Kim’s technical strengths.” Throughout the interview, the close rapport between these two athletes became evident, a testament to the extensive time they have spent training together.

Background of the Athletes

 Both athletes embarked on their journey of artistic swimming from similar beginnings. Kim recounted that it was during her first grade in elementary school when Byun’s mother encouraged her to delve into the world of artistic swimming. Lee Ju-young, Byun’s mother, is a former national athlete in artistic swimming and presently a coach at an artistic swimming club. Consequently, Kim has been immersed in this discipline since then, gradually evolving into a seasoned athlete. 

 Byun’s fascination in artistic swimming took root during his early years. Growing up, he ignited his interest in this sport, observing his mother’s tutelage. By the time he reached fifth grade, Byun was already an active participant in artistic swimming. Expressing profound zeal for the sport, he shared his preconceived ambition to register as an artistic swimming athlete right from the outset.

Accomplishments at the 2023 WAC in Fukuoka

 The 2023 WAC held in Fukuoka on July 16 at the Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall. Athletes participated in both the mixed duet technical and free events of artistic swimming. Team Byun and Kim secured their berth in the mixed duet technical finals by attaining the sixth rank among the 16 participating countries. Eventually, they wrapped up the event in the 10th position. Their technical routine was choreographed to the tune “Get into the tango rhythm” by Caroline Campbell and Willem Joseph, released in 2016. Kim expounded, “Considering the standardized nature of technical routines across nations, we opted for a lively song with a clear beat.”

 Despite a minor slip-up during their acrobatic pair movement, they displayed confidence and closely carried on with the remainder of the routine. Merging an artistic score of 93.5500 points with an execution score of 96.7437 points, they concluded the competition with a cumulative score of 190.2934 points. 

 The mixed duet free event unfolded on July 21 and 22. The athletes encapsulated the theme of their free routine as vampire’s love. They revealed that due to the extended duration, their objective was to convey a narrative within the routine. Impressively, the two athletes secured their spot in the finals for the mixed duet free event as well, ultimately securing the 10th position out of 15 participating teams. Their final score amounted to 125.1542 points, comprising an artistic score of 80.9500 points and an execution score of 44.2042 points.

Athletes’ Impression After the Competition 

 Both athletes expressed their regrets regarding this year’s competition, attributing them to the limited one-month preparation window for adjusting choreography and synchronizing styles with their partners. The altered rules also presented challenges. Byun remarked, “Given the penalties for incomplete execution of elements, I found myself exerting extra effort to execute the maneuvers.

 Despite the myriad challenges they faced, they also acknowledged a sense of achievement stemming from their efforts. When they were asked about their aspirations as artistic swimming athletes, both echoed their desires to enhance the sport’s popularity. Notably, Byun displayed resolute determination to unearth more male athletes, given that he stands as the sole male artistic swimming athlete in the country thus far. “The sport needs more male participants to flourish,” he asserted.

 He further expressed his yearning for camaraderie among male athletes, for mutual exchange of thoughts and support. Additionally, Kim conveyed, “If I secure a spot on the national team, my aim is to advance to the finals in numerous duet competitions.” Byun also committed to striving for commendable outcomes in upcoming competitions.

 The inclusion of artistic swimming mixed duet as an official event in the WAC began in 2015, with the WAC held in Fukuoka marking South Korea’s inaugural participation. Paradoxically, the mixed duet discipline did not secure a slot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The only avenue for male athletes to partake in the Olympics is through the team events, allowing a maximum of two participants per team. Reflecting on this development, Byun enthused, “The prospect of male athletes’ participation in the Olympics is genuinely thrilling.” He, however, voiced apprehension about the formation of a viable team, thus raising the possibility that participation in next year’s Olympics could prove challenging.

 In closing, Kim directed her message towards junior athletes in artistic swimming, underscoring, “Focusing on personal growth can yield a sense of accomplishment even in the face of adversity.” Byun also, extended advice to those aspiring to become artistic swimming athletes, encouraging them to “Give it a try.” 

 He remarked, “Artistic swimming is not only captivating to observe but equally enjoyable to practice.” He also aspired to kindle greater public interest in this enchanting sport. The anticipations for these two athletes’ promising future careers are elevated, considering their remarkable accomplishments despite the abbreviated preparation period.