Wang Shun Breaks Record as Chinese Swimming Championships Wrap Up in Shenzhen
The Chinese National Swimming Championships concluded on Saturday in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, showcasing thrilling performances and record-breaking feats.
In a nail-biting men’s 400-meter individual medley final, Olympic champion Wang Shun and rising star Zhang Zhanshuo battled fiercely for the gold. The duo surged ahead during the butterfly leg, with Wang gaining a crucial two-second lead in the backstroke. Despite Zhang’s relentless effort to close the gap during the breaststroke, Wang held his ground, touching the wall first with a time of 4:10.64. This remarkable performance shattered an 11-year-old National Championships record in the event.
Zhang secured silver in 4:11.86, a time that qualified him for the upcoming World Aquatics Championships in Singapore. Impressively, he had clinched the men’s 1500-meter freestyle title just 15 minutes before diving back in for the medley final.
The championships also spotlighted the next generation of swimming talent. In the women’s 400-meter individual medley, 12-year-old sensation Yu Zidi faced off against 14-year-old competitor Chang Mohan. Yu emerged victorious, clocking 4:35.53, while Chang earned silver with a time of 4:37.33, demonstrating the promising future of Chinese swimming.
Adding to the excitement, Wu Qingwen dominated the women’s 50-meter freestyle, capturing gold with a swift 24.18 seconds. On the men’s side, Pan Zhanle celebrated his ninth gold medal of the championships. Teaming up with Xu Jiayu, Dong Yifan, and Shen Jiahao, they secured victory in the men’s 4×100-meter medley relay with a time of 3:41.35.
The conclusion of the championships not only highlighted seasoned athletes breaking new ground but also introduced young talents poised to make their mark on the international stage. As these swimmers set their sights on future competitions, fans eagerly anticipate witnessing more record-breaking performances.
