A fresh pool of talent
One of the biggest surprises of the championships was Yu Zidi.Aged 12 at the time, she was making her international debut, reaching the finals in the 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley and 400m individual medley, placing fourth in all three events. She also helped the Chinese team to bronze in the women's 4x200m freestyle relay, becoming the youngest medalist in a major international swimming competition since 1936."My next goal is the podium at the Budapest World Aquatics Championships in 2027," Yu said, "and further ahead, the Olympics."Yu continued to wow spectators a few months later at November's 15th National Games. Having just turned 13, she left the pool with three golds, one silver, and one bronze — making her the youngest swimming champion in the sporting gala's history.Her defining moment was a stunning 2:07.41 in the women's 200m individual medley, which shattered a 13-year Asian record. She went on to add a silver medal in the women's 200m butterfly, ahead of Olympic champion Zhang Yufei, but behind winner Chen Luying.Meanwhile, 18-year-old Zhang Zhanshuo announced himself as a force in men's freestyle. In his National Games debut, he delivered a golden triple, winning the 200m, 400m, and 800m events and breaking national youth records in all three.His 400m victory in 3:42.82 — a new world junior record — came over Chinese titans Sun Yang and Pan Zhanle.He later edged them out again in the 200m freestyle, clocking 1:44.86, a time that would have been competitive at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Despite his breakthroughs, Zhang remained grounded."I'm happy, but there's really nothing to celebrate. Yu Zidi is only 13 and already broke an Asian record. I still have a lot to learn," he said.His rapid rise has positioned him as China's most promising new force in men's mid — and long-distance freestyle, and a major medal hope for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.Paris 2024 Olympic champion and 100m freestyle world record holder Pan claimed gold in his signature event with a time of 48.01 seconds, his sole individual title of the meet.A challenging post-Olympic year was marred by a dip in form, which saw him miss the 100m final at July's world championships in Singapore, a setback widely attributed to fatigue from frequent commercial activities following Paris 2024.Pan, though, is focused on resurgence. "My goal for this new cycle is to dedicate myself to training, rebuild my confidence, and rediscover my best self," Pan said.
页:
[1]