‘Pan Zhanle’s astounding comeback’ sweeps Weibo after China end US’ 64-year winning streak
- Swimmer hailed as hero back home after another stunning display in 4x100m medley on his 20th birthday
Pan Zhanle soared to the top trending charts on social media again on Monday after the China swim team made history by ending the United States’ dominance of the 4x100m medley relay to take gold.
Pan produced another stunning swim in the Paris La Defense Arena to receive the best 20th birthday gift he could imagine.
Starting the final leg in third place, 0.75 seconds behind the leading French team, Pan stormed past his rivals in the final 25m, clocking 45.92 in his leg with a reaction time of 0.2.
He became a sensation just a few days ago by shattering his own world record in the men’s 100m freestyle and winning gold.
The historic victory sparked a joyous reaction on Chinese social media.
“Even though I knew the outcome, watching it still gave me goosebumps,” one user commented on a video of the victory. “He really seems like a flying fish, swimming forward with incredible speed ... he’s China’s soaring star in swimming.”
