China teen Zhang stakes National Games claim with junior world record
The 18-year-old becomes third-fastest Chinese swimmer ever and 17th quickest in the world
China’s best young swimmers have staked their claims for places at the National Games with impressive showings at the National Swimming Championships in Chengdu.
On Friday, 18-year-old Zhang Zhanshuo broke the world junior record in the men’s 400 metres freestyle as he clocked in at three minutes and 42.99 seconds to win the event.
Liu Peixin was well behind in 3:49.44, but still won silver, while Li Chengyu got bronze in 3:51.52, with the mainland selectors using this event to pick swimmers for November’s Games.
Zhang took down the previous record of 3:44.37 set by Bulgarian Petar Mitsin at the 2023 European Junior Championships to become China’s third-best 400m performer ever – and the 17th quickest in the world.
“I feel like today made up for the regrets I have following the world championships and I achieved a goal I’ve had for years – breaking the world junior record,” Zhang said.
He had failed to medal in individual events at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore in July and August, finishing fifth overall in the 400m freestyle in 3:44.82, but did win silver in the 4x200m relay.