China's 19-year-old swimmer Zhang Zhanshuo made history at the Asian Games in Tokyo by becoming the first swimmer to win seven gold medals in a single edition of the Games. Zhang won individual titles in the 200m, 400m, 800m, and 1,500m freestyle events, as well as three relay gold medals. His impressive performance helped China dominate the swimming events, winning 30 of the 42 gold medals in the pool.
Zhang's achievement is significant, especially with the Los Angeles Olympics less than two years away. He attributed his success to staying grounded and focused, stating that the Asian Games are not his ultimate goal. Zhang's height of 198cm (6ft 6in) may have given him an advantage in the pool. His performance was praised by fans and teammates alike, with China celebrating a scintillating campaign.
China's swimming phenomenon Yu Zidi, 13, also made headlines by winning three individual gold medals in Games-record times. Japan's 17-year-old Shin Ohashi shattered the men's 200m breaststroke world record on Thursday, showcasing the impressive talent of young athletes in the region. The Asian Games feature a range of sports, including swimming, equestrian, and diving, which are taking place in Tokyo.
The track and field events, however, are being held in Nagoya and the wider Aichi prefecture. The men's and women's 100m sprints, considered the blue riband events, took place in front of rows of empty seats in Nagoya. China's 17-year-old Chen Yujie won the women's final in a Games-record 11.06sec, while Thailand's Puripol Boonson won the men's event in 9.90sec, breaking his own Games record.
Chen Yujie, who turns 18 in December, was thrilled with her victory, considering it the best present for her birthday. Puripol Boonson's win marked Thailand's first men's 100m gold medal since 1978. The Asian Games have seen impressive performances from young athletes, with China's Zhang Zhanshuo and Yu Zidi, and Japan's Shin Ohashi, all making history in their respective sports.
The overall medal tally saw China leading with 98 golds after day six, followed by Japan with 28 golds and South Korea with 13. In gymnastics, Carlos Yulo won the men's vault for his second gold of the Games, completing his collection of major titles. Yulo's victory was a miracle for him, as he felt stressed throughout the Games but enjoyed his performance.
In women's basketball, South Korea edged China 85-80 in the semi-finals and will face hosts Japan for gold. North Korea's Oh Kwang Ok set three world records in weightlifting to win the women's 57kg bodyweight class gold. The Asian Games continue to showcase the region's top athletes, with many records being broken and new champions emerging.
Key points
- China's Zhang Zhanshuo becomes the first swimmer to win seven gold medals in a single Asian Games.
- Young athletes shine at the Asian Games, with China’s Yu Zidi and Japan’s Shin Ohashi breaking records.
- China leads the overall medal tally with 98 golds after day six.
