“I wasn’t expecting to break it – I wanted to leave it for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.”  At the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Pan Zhanle stunned the world by setting a stellar 100 freestyle World Record of 46.80 at the tender age of 19. But the wunderkind had only one ambition. He wanted to claim an Olympic gold as his own and set a new world record at the París La Défense Arena. If only he knew then what he knows now! On July 31, he was set to contend in the 100m freestyle against 2016 Rio Olympic gold medalist and 2020 Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Kyle Chalmers.

While Zhanle settled in lane 4, the Aussie was right by his side, setting up in lane 5. After narrowly missing out on the finals, the stakes were high. But he was determined to make his dreams come true. As soon as the gun went off, he sprung into action, holding a comfortable lead. And with an impressive time of 46.40, against all odds, he had done it! He had set a new World Record and clinched the first gold for China in the sport in the French capital. What a day to be an Olympian!

Setting world records comes naturally to Pan Zhanle

The grand finale at the París La Défense Arena was the men’s 100m freestyle finals. Pan Zhanle was set to lock horns with Kyle Chalmers and the man whose record the 19-year-old shattered, David Popovici. While some would be rattled by such big names, the current world record holder was undeterred. Up until this point, swimmers had only shattered and set new Olympic records in Paris. However, he was looking forward to changing that.

Leading up to the Summer Games, he knew what he wanted to do. “It’s the (100m freestyle) world record and a gold medal in Paris. I just train hard and pay attention to the details, especially the weaknesses.” However, he had a close call during the the 100m freestyle heats. The World Aquatics Championships 4x100m gold medalist almost missed making the top-16 in the event. But he turned things around in the finals by blazing past his competitors in 46.40 seconds. Zhanle’s impressive time is now the first world record in the Olympic pool.

However, history had repeated itself for the Aussie, who trailed behind him in second place with 47.48. His displeasure was evident post the race. A fan pointed out on X, ‘Chalmers is acting rather subdued and as if these photos are perfunctory. Perhaps a combination of disappointment in her performance and perhaps by the lateness of the hour. Only cracks a smile when hugging his fiancee.’ Unfortunately for the Aussie, he had to face a similar fate back in the 2020 Tokyo Games where he behind Caeleb Dressel. The American set an Olympic record with an impressive 47.02 seconds, while Chalmers finished in 47.08. 

The 19-year-old has added yet another milestone

Pan Zhale has always known he was meant for great things. He first fell in love with the pool at the tender age of 4. But at the French capital, it looked like he was one with the water. Even before he clinched his maiden Olympic gold, the swimmer had a few impressive feats on his tally. The 7x Asian medalist has broken 1:45:00 seconds in the 200m freestyle with 1:44:65 in May, 47 seconds in the 100m freestyle with 46.97 in September, 22 seconds in the 50m freestyle with 21.92 seconds in September last year.

After having an incredible 2023 season, he then went on two win 4 gold medals at the 2024 World Championship. He claimed a win in the 100m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle, and mixed 4x100m freestyle. The wunderkind had claimed the first medal for his nation in the 4x100m freestyle. A feat that he has now overtaken with a shiny new record and hardware in the French capital.