Hendrix homage a splash hit

When legendary rock star Jimi Hendrix wrote the song "1983... (A Merman I Should Turn to Be)" for a 1968 album, never did the American imagine that the prophetic words would become reality five decades later at the ongoing FINA World Swimming Championships (25m) in Hangzhou.

Sharing the same name with the singer and songwriter, swimmer James "Jimmy" Hendrix from the Pacific island of Guam made his international debut in the Zhejiang provincial capital, where his moniker has created a buzz.

"My last name Hendrix comes from my grandfather's German side and my dad really liked Jimi Hendrix's music, so he decided to name me this way to commemorate him," said the 16-year-old free-styler.