Fukuoka, Japan, July 17, 2023: Kazakhstan joined the medals table at the World Aquatics Championships 2023 in Japan on Monday thanks to teenager Eduard Kim.
The 17-year-old Kim finished third in the artistic swimming men solo technical to take the bronze medal behind Fernando Diaz Del Rio Soto of Spain and second-placed Kenneth Gaudet of the United States.
This men’s solo technical made history in the world championships, as the world’s first male artistic swimming world champion was crowned in Fukuoka.
Kim said: "It was so difficult to finish the routine but I did it - and I am proud I will make history for my country. All the boys are doing great performances. It is amazing to be part of this sport."
Diaz Del Rio Soto, 20, earned 96.20 for artistic impression and 128.3550 for execution, giving him a winning total of 224.5550 in his routine rated 26.5000 total difficulty.
Gaudet, 18, won the silver medal with 216.80 points – 7.7550 behind the champion – and Kazakh Kim came in third with 216.0, comprised of 91.50 for artistic impression and 124.50 for execution on a routine with a total difficulty of 27.30. Kim’s score was 8.5550 behind the winning mark.
Thailand’s Kantinan Adisaisiributr, 16, finished sixth with 180.1168 points (83.60 + 96.5168).