You might not expect it, but one of the hardest-fought rivalries at this summer's Games could be in artistic swimming. China and Spain are the sport's titans - as CGTN's Ken Browne discovers.
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00:00Spain were technical world champions in 2023, China in 2024, but neither nation has ever won Olympic gold.
00:13For Paris 2024, both are delving deep into creative repertoires and dreaming of a historic first.
00:23I think the entire team's dream is to win gold at the Olympics. I admire the Chinese team, they inspire and motivate us.
00:31We believe we're up there with them and we're going for it in Paris.
00:36The preparations are done and the moment of truth is here.
00:39China are the team to beat in artistic swimming after their clean sweep of the gold medals at the Doha World Championships earlier this year.
00:47But Spain will be tough opposition. They are European champions and were runners-up in Doha in the technical routine this year.
00:57Mambo music and flamenco guitars are the soundtrack to Spain's success. They bring passion and expression.
01:05We are also proud of our culture. We love to mix different kinds of music and this music motivates us.
01:16We identify with this Spanish guitar and flamenco and for us it's something special. We always try to swim from the heart.
01:26That's where Spain coach Mayuko Fujiki thinks Spain might have an advantage.
01:31And Fujiki knows a thing or two about synchro. She won an Olympic medal as a swimmer and six as a coach of Japan, Spain and China.
01:41I think China and Spain we have very different style.
01:45Chinese team has always been very precise, very synchronized, very detailed, very skilled eight swimmers.
01:53In Spain we have more artistic, more new, more original music and choreography.
02:00I think in total we are five teams very close. So not with just China.
02:07It's a story of rivalry and respect but make no mistake both teams are out to win.
02:14We beat them one time last year and why we cannot do it another.
02:19Whatever happens it will be spectacular to watch.
02:23Ken Brown, CGTN, Barcelona.