Over 3,000 swimmers participate in the 2024 Qiantang River Crossing event held in Hangzhou on July 28. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

Over 3,000 swimmers participated in the 2024 Qiantang River Crossing event held in Hangzhou on July 28.

Starting from the Binjiang Sports Center and ending at the Urban Balcony of Qianjiang New City, participants swam from the south to the north bank, showcasing their skill and determination.

The elite group winner was 19-year-old Sheng Zhehan, a former member of Hangzhou High School's swim team. After summer break, he will join Shanghai Jiao Tong University's sports department. With 13 years of swimming experience, Sheng achieved national athlete status during middle school and has won several national high school championships.

This year's event included elite, general, and family groups. The general group had no age or gender restrictions, with the oldest participant being 82 and the youngest just 6. Nine-year-old Chen Youran, competing for the first time, was the first child to finish.

Ni, a swimmer from Xiaoshan, attracted attention after finishing with a turtle in hand. Growing up by the river, Ni fulfilled a long-held wish by completing the crossing.

Over 3,000 swimmers participate in the 2024 Qiantang River Crossing event held in Hangzhou on July 28. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]