O Solo Tio And Her Historic Crown

Spaniard on song, clinches her country's first women's artistic solo title at the event

- Kimberly Kwek

This time in 2024, Iris Tio Casas was moved to tears as she watched Celine Dion perform Hymne À L'Amour during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on television.

On July 22, the Spanish artistic swimmer was again stirred by the same melody at the World Aquatics Championships (WCH).

Accompanied by the haunting Edith Piaf tune, Tio put on a virtuoso display in the women's solo free event at the WCH Arena, before shedding tears of joy when her triumph was confirmed.

The 22-year-old scored 245.1913 points to come from behind to beat top qualifier China's Xu Huiyan (241.0025) for the gold. Belarusian Vasilina Khandoshka (239.5437), who was designated as a neutral athlete, rounded off the podium.

And for the first time, Tio, who had earned bronze medals in the solo technical and team free events, is a solo world champion.

"It means a lot because it's my first gold medal in solo at the world championships and also my first medal in solo free, so I'm super happy, I can't believe it right now," said Tio, who added the title to the team bronze from the Paris Games and the team technical gold at the 2023 Fukuoka championships.

"I feel very emotional because my parents are in the stands, it's a dream come true."