As the Paris 2024 Olympics opens with grandeur, China's artistic swimming team captures the spotlight with their ambition to "dazzle every moment and amaze every second." Among the judges, a familiar Chinese face stands out—Bai Muwei, a teacher from Guangdong Pharmaceutical University . With her expertise and passion, Bai represents China with pride. She holds dual qualifications as an international A-level judge and an international technical controller, having officiated at numerous high-level international competitions, including the World Aquatics Championships .
Bai Muwei's journey in synchronized swimming began at the age of six. She trained for three years at the provincial swimming pool in Baoding City, Hebei Province, before switching to competitive swimming. At 13, she won a gold medal in the 800-meter freestyle at the Provincial Games, showcasing her talent and hard work.
In 2001, Bai enrolled in Guangzhou Sport University for her master's degree. Her mentor, Professor Wu Hehai, recognizing her background and potential, guided her to delve into synchronized swimming. In 2006, as the Chinese artistic swimming team prepared for the Beijing 2008 Olympics, they needed a Japanese-speaking translator. Bai's undergraduate experience studying Japanese at Tianjin University of Sport made her an ideal candidate. She was seconded to Beijing as a translator and assistant coach, during which she witnessed the team's historic medal breakthrough.
Bai's officiating career began as an international G-level judge. With continuous support from the Swimming Center of the General Administration of Sport of China and her own relentless efforts, she eventually rose to become an international A-level judge. She is the only judge in China's artistic swimming program with dual qualifications as an international A-level judge and an international technical controller.
Finally, a "Chinese teacher" appeared on the judging panel of international artistic swimming competitions! Each of her judgments reflects a precise understanding of the rules and a profound interpretation of the spirit of sportsmanship.
"Working with the Chinese artistic swimming team in preparation for the Beijing 2008 Olympics gave me deep insights into the techniques and skills of artistic swimming, which greatly helped my later officiating career," Bai said.
"Judging is also a way of bringing glory to the country," Bai deeply feels. In February this year, while serving as an international technical official for artistic swimming at the Doha 2024 World Aquatics Championships , a team disputed a penalty and appealed. In the highest arbitration court of artistic swimming, in front of a jury of 30 members from different countries, Bai, as a technical official representative, calmly and fluently explained the penalty process and basis in English. Her clear and concise statement earned the jury's respect and approval. When she exited the arbitration court, judges from other countries embraced her with excitement, and Bai knew she was representing China at that moment.
To date, Bai Muwei has officiated at three Asian Games , witnessing the Chinese artistic swimming team win six gold medals. She has also officiated at six World Championships, accompanying the team as they climbed to world champion status. As she officiates at the Paris 2024 Olympics, she hopes to witness the Chinese artistic swimming team win gold once again.
Source: Yangcheng Evening News
