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CHENGDU, China, March 17 (Xinhua) -- After wining their first title following a comeback, China's synchronized swimming star sisters Jiang Wenwen and Jiang Tingting appear to be getting stronger, both physically and mentally.
The twin sisters, who made history by ranking fourth in the paired synchronized swimming at the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008, retired after the National Games in 2013. They each decided to make a comeback in 2015 after having daughters. At the FINA Synchronized Swimming World Series in Paris recently, they won the duet technical title, their first following the combeack.
"They were known for extraordinary artistic expression but lacked strength. Now, their physical power is catching up, which is in line with the current development trends in synchronized swimming," said coach Zheng Jia in Chengdu.
After their comeback, the twin sisters invited a fitness coach to develop training programs for their particular physical condition. "A fitness coach helps a lot," Jiang Wenwen said, "we can increase the difficulty of our routine."
Jiang Wenwen and Jiang Tingting finished two entirely new routines in Paris. "The difficulty of the routine is aimed at the Russian synchronized swimmers, which was a challenge for them," coach Zheng said.
In addition to improvements in their physical strength, they say that becoming mothers has made them mentally stronger.
"The love of synchronized swimming forced us to come back. To enjoy the game is much more important for us now than the result," Jiang Tingting said.
