China’s national swimming championships concluded on Saturday in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, showcasing a series of record-breaking performances that signal a promising outlook for Team China ahead of the Paris Olympics.
The nine-day tournament, designed to simulate the schedule of the upcoming Olympics in Paris, served as a crucial qualifier for the national team. The results will be combined with outcomes from the most recent two editions of the World Championships to finalize the Olympic roster.
Among the standout athletes was 19-year-old Pan Zhanle, who emerged as the most decorated swimmer of the championships with seven titles—four individual victories and three in team events. Pan shattered the 47-second barrier in the men’s 100m freestyle final, clocking an impressive 46.97 seconds. This feat places him among an elite group of swimmers who have consistently finished the event in under 47 seconds, joining Romania’s David Popovici, also 19.
Pan’s remarkable performance follows his groundbreaking win at the Hangzhou Asian Games, where he became the first Asian swimmer to break the 47-second mark with a time of 46.97 seconds. He continued his streak by setting a world record of 46.80 seconds in the men’s 4x100m medley relay at the World Championships in Doha in February, surpassing Popovici’s previous record of 46.86 seconds.
The championships also witnessed Tang Qianting twice lowering the Asian record in the women’s 100m breaststroke, ultimately setting it at 1:04.39. Additionally, Yang Junxuan set a new national record in the women’s 100m freestyle, eclipsing Zhang Yufei’s four-year-old record with a time of 52.68 seconds.
Olympic champion Zhang Yufei demonstrated her enduring prowess by securing five gold medals and one silver. Fellow Olympic champion Ye Shiwen, who won two golds at the London Olympics, qualified for the Paris Olympics after an eight-year hiatus, marking a significant comeback following her challenges in Rio and failure to qualify for Tokyo.
The exceptional performances at the championships reflect China’s robust preparation for the Paris Olympics, highlighting the emergence of new talents and the resurgence of seasoned athletes. As the nation anticipates the global stage, the swimmers’ achievements have ignited optimism for continued success in international competitions.
Reference(s):
China's national swimming championships conclude in Shenzhen
cgtn.com
