Hefei, Anhui Province — China’s three-time Olympic gold medalist Sun Yang made a triumphant return to competitive swimming, capturing the men’s 400-meter freestyle title on Sunday at the 2024 National Summer Swimming Championships.
Representing Zhejiang Province, the 32-year-old clocked a time of 3 minutes, 49.58 seconds, leading the race from the 200-meter mark and demonstrating that he remains a formidable force in the pool despite his hiatus.
“I could have done better,” Sun reflected after the final. “Four years away from competition, and without intensive training, I do feel rusty in controlling the tempo. I need more competitions, but it’s a good start for my comeback, and I’m happy with this result.”
Sun expressed his intentions to compete in more events and hopes for improved performances next year. He also conveyed gratitude for his family’s unwavering support throughout his journey.
Born in Hangzhou, Zhejiang’s capital, in December 1991, Sun Yang made history at the London 2012 Olympics by becoming China’s first-ever male swimmer to win Olympic gold, claiming top honors in both the 400m and 1,500m freestyle events. He continued his success at the Rio 2016 Olympics, winning the men’s 200m freestyle and becoming the first male swimmer to collect Olympic golds in the 200m, 400m, and 1,500m freestyle races.
In June 2021, Sun faced a 51-month suspension following a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling related to an anti-doping rule violation stemming from an incident on September 4-5, 2018.
The National Summer Swimming Championships, running from August 25-28 in Hefei, is a prestigious Class B national event in China, second only to the National Swimming Championships. This year’s competition has attracted 499 athletes from 24 teams nationwide.
Reference(s):
Chinese swimmer Sun Yang wins first title after return from suspension
cgtn.com
