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Meredith Chen

Willa Wu

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.

Pan Zhanle swam 45.92 seconds in sections of the men's 4x100-meter medley relay final, the fastest 100m freestyle swimming split ever, to help the Chinese team win the championship🥇.
And the day is his 20th birthday!
Congratulations and Happy Birthday! 🎂🎈🎊🎁🎉#Paris2024… pic.twitter.com/yB1d48Ub7a
— China in Pictures (@tongbingxue) August 5, 2024

“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.”
The topic “Pan Zhanle’s astounding comeback” acquired 520 million views on Monday morning.
Social media has been abuzz with cheers as the gold medal brought an end to American four-decade hegemony.
Team USA had won the event at every Games since its debut in 1960 aside from when they boycotted the 1980 edition in Moscow.
“Only when you stand in the Olympic swimming venue do you truly understand the weight of the swimming gold medal,” one user, who was on the grandstand in the Paris La Defense Arena during the competition, posted on Xiaohongshu.
“Surrounded by white spectators, we were the happiest and most ecstatic [when the final finished] ... Everyone had doubted us Chinese and believed that swimming had nothing to do with us.

“We were overcome with joy and tears. All the frustration has been released now, and every discomfort is swept away.”
The victory comes on the back of strained ties between China and other countries following the revelation earlier this year that 23 Chinese swimmers had been cleared to compete at the Tokyo Olympics despite having failed doping tests.
It ignited a war of words between US officials and the World Anti-Doping Agency, while earlier at the Games, Pan claimed he was snubbed by his American and Australian rivals during his 100m freestyle gold-medal win.
Following the victory, an Australian commentator suggested winning in such a manner was “not humanly possible”.
“Americans must be really rattled this time ... Despite all the unfairness and discrimination [against the China team], the gold medals have the final say,” another user said.

“The Chinese won cleanly and with honour!” another said.
China’s team of Xu Jiayu, Qin Haiyang, Sun Jiajun and Pan finished in three minutes, 27.46 seconds, ahead of the Americans in 3:28.01, and the 3:28.38 of France in third.
Pan’s confidence and frankness in front of the camera have also won him the nickname “insulator” among Weibo users.
After his teammate Qin said there was still room for improvement despite winning the race, Pan added: “The game is over. The champions [tag] is ours. It should be others who feel dissatisfied, [not us].”
“He won’t self-consume even just a little bit,” one user commented.
“You should have confidence in a competition. If you win, then you have won. Pan is the best!” another commented.
“He is one of the representatives of young people of our time – say no to self-consuming and emotional blackmail,” another user wrote.
Join our sports quiz this Friday to win flights, staycation packages, dining vouchers and much more. Learn more: sc.mp/sports-quiz


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‘Pan Zhanle’s astounding comeback’ sweeps Weibo after China end US’ 64-year winning streak

Pan Zhanle (left), with fellow gold medallists (from left) Sun Jiajun, Qin Haiyang and Xu Jiayu. Photo: Reuters

Chinese skier Eileen Gu poses for a photo with Pan Zhanle and the rest of China’s gold medal-winning swimmers.

China’s historic gold medal triumph saw them end the US’ dominance of the event. Photo: Reuters

Pan Zhanle won’t sign fan’s China flag – Paris Olympics star praised for EQ after gesture

China’s gold medallist Pan Zhanle takes a selfie with fans after stunning victory in the 100 metres freestyle. Photo: AP

Pan Zhanle: Paris Olympics record-breaking swimmer who stands up to US, Australian rivals

China’s Pan Zhanle clutches his gold medal on the podium in Paris. Photo: dpa

Pan Zhanle warms up before the race in which he broke the world record at the La Defense Arena. Photo: AFP

Pan Zhanle celebrates his victory and world record in the Olympic 100m freestyle final. Photo: Xinhua

Pan Zhanle’s Olympic gold medal win ‘not humanly possible’, Australian coach says

China’s Pan Zhanle (centre) won the gold medal in the 100m freestyle but the coach of Australia’s Kyle Chalmers (left) expressed suspicion. Photo: Reuters

Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle stormed to victory in record-breaking fashion in the 100-metre freestyle. Photo: Reuters

Pan Zhanle slams ‘disrespectful’ rivals, while Chinese fans lash out at ‘arrogant Westerners’

China’s Pan Zhanle said his handshake attempt (left) was snubbed by Australian rival Kyle Chalmers.

Gold medallist Pan Zhanle (centre) on the podium with Australia’s Kyle Chalmers (left), who won silver, and Romania’s David Popovici. Photo: Reuters

Paris Olympics: diving, climbing, US women in 3x3 basketball – 5 things to know for day 10

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Quan Hongchan and Chen Yuxi are back at it as they look to secure more diving gold at the Paris Olympics. Photo: AP

United States’ women are still in the mix in 3x3 basketball. Photo: AFP

Spain overcame Japan in the quarter-finals and are now looking to beat Morocco to reach the final. Photo: Reuters

Sport

Paris Olympics 2024

Aquatics

China

The Buzz

Swimmer hailed as hero back home after another stunning display in 4x100m medley on his 20th birthday


Swimmer hailed as hero back home after another stunning display in 4x100m medley on his 20th birthday.


Pan Zhanle (潘展樂)

Tokyo