Magic moments

Tears for a rival

Chinese swimming star Zhang Yufei had every reason to smile at the Hangzhou Asiad, after clinching six gold medals. But she shed tears when 23-year-old Rikako Ikee took the bronze medal in the women's 50m butterfly.

Japan's Ikee had dazzled the world by grabbing six gold medals at Jakarta 2018, before a devastating leukemia diagnosis threatened to end her promising career. However, the brave Japanese star embarked on a courageous battle against the illness and made a triumphant return to the pool.

At the world championships earlier this year, Zhang showed Ikee the words she wrote on her palm: "Be the best of yourself." And after seeing her friend going for glory again in the pool, a tearful Zhang ran over to embrace her with heartfelt congratulations.