Wuhan holds Yangtze River crossing competition

Spectators watch as the swimmers compete in the Yangtze River event in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, July 16. [Photo by Chen Liang/Asianewsphoto]

In individual race, the men's championship was won by 19-year-old Simon Toufik Wanna from Sweden. A 20-year-old German named Eileen Alice Diener won the women‘s championship. Simon said he was satisfied with the result and his performance, adding that there were no secrets in winning. He just tried his best to keep calm. He expressed his love of Wuhan city and added that he would like to compete in next year’s race. Eileen said crossing Yangtze River was really challenging. It was the first time that she was in Wuhan and participating in the race.

The number of competitors in the team race was about 3,525, forming 38 teams in total. The most attractive players were twin sisters named Hu Yimin and Huang Xiaoyin. They learnt swimming in their childhood. The twins said "the Yangtze River Crossing Activity is a characteristic feature in Wuhan. As the young generation, we need to develop spirit of hard work and inherit our Chinese culture."Zhao Jing, the former world champion, said Thursday's water temperature was suitable for swimming.