In a stunning upset at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, China’s men’s swimming team shattered the USA’s 40-year dominance in the 4×100m medley relay. The quartet of Xu Jiayu, Qin Haiyang, Sun Jiajun, and Pan Zhanle delivered a breathtaking performance, clinching gold and marking a historic moment for Chinese swimming.
The American team, which had held an unbroken winning streak in this event since the 1984 Los Angeles Games, was edged out into silver, while host nation France secured the bronze medal, adding to Léon Marchand’s impressive collection.
“We make a fantastic team and achieved an incredible result,” exclaimed Pan Zhanle, whose lightning-fast freestyle anchor leg clocked an exceptional 45.92 seconds, one of the fastest splits in history. His performance was complemented by Qin Haiyang’s stellar breaststroke leg of 57.98 seconds, which outpaced France’s Marchand and set the stage for victory.
The Chinese team’s triumph signifies a new era in men’s swimming, showcasing the nation’s growing prowess on the global stage. Their relentless pursuit of excellence and unity in performance resonated with spectators worldwide, igniting excitement and anticipation for future competitions.
This landmark achievement not only underscores China’s rising influence in international sports but also inspires aspiring athletes across Asia. As the Olympic Games continue, fans eagerly await more thrilling performances from these exceptional swimmers.
Reference(s):
Day 9 in Paris: Chinese swimmers end USA's 40-year medley relay reign
cgtn.com
