Referees react during the 2024 Beijing Youth Swimming Championship at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The Olympic Competition Hall at the National Aquatics Center hosted the 2024 Beijing Youth Swimming Championship from Oct. 3 to 5 in Beijing, drawing over 1,200 young athletes from across the city for three days of intense competition.

The event featured 14 categories across various age groups and disciplines, including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and relay races. Both individual and mixed-gender events were held.

Athletes react during the 2024 Beijing Youth Swimming Championship at the National Aquatics Center in Beijing. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Zhang Muyang, 15, from Beijing's Xicheng district, described the championship as a personal breakthrough. An 11-year veteran of the sport, Zhang said swimming taught him composure in challenging situations. He expressed enthusiasm for further exploring the sport's appeal.

The hosting of the event enables the National Aquatics Center to further popularize swimming among young people and provides a platform for them to showcase their abilities. It also boosts Beijing's youth swimming program and supports the broader goals of China's national fitness campaign.