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.
