The Sanya 2026 Asian Beach Games witnessed a unique Chinese romance on its very first medal day, April 23, as husband-and-wife athletes claimed the top honors in aquathlon.
Fan Junjie clocked 28 minutes and 20 seconds to win the men’s individual title, securing the first gold medal of the Games and making history as aquathlon made its ABG debut. Shortly after, his wife Lin Xinyu stormed to victory in the women’s race in 31 minutes and 34 seconds, completing a golden sweep for the couple.
Competing side by side and spurring each other on at the Sanya Bay course, the two newlyweds — who tied the knot last December — stood together on the top of the podium, savoring one of sport’s most romantic moments. And the timing was made even sweeter: their double-gold triumph came right before the couple’s shared birthday, making the two golds the perfect gift for each other.
