While her teammates rested on the sidelines, Feng Yu quietly sat or lay down, repeatedly practicing her routine's hand movements.

It had only been nine days since she stepped up to join China's team free squad. Just before the 2025 World Aquatics Championships team free final, Feng was called upon to replace Zhang Yayi, who had injured her feet.

The 25-year-old captain undertook intense training under immense pressure and led the team to an astonishing gold medal victory — a feat many thought unimaginable.

Reflecting on the nine critical days, Feng described the experience as "very special".

"Every spare moment, I was thinking about the routine," she said.