Wang Shun Pops Stellar Time to Claim 200 IM Title at Chinese Nationals; Pan Zhanle Adds Another Crown
Reigning Olympic champion Wang Shun produced a sensational performance in the 200-meter individual medley during the seventh night of finals at the Chinese National Championships. The meet is being utilized as an Olympic qualifier, and Wang’s effort confirmed strong preparation for an Olympic-title defense this summer in Paris.
Behind a mark of 1:55.35, Wang registered a victory of more than three seconds over Zhang Zhanshuo, who was timed in 1:58.97. Wang ranks as one of just four swimmers in history to crack the 1:55 barrier in the 200 medley, along with Ryan Lochte, Michael Phelps and Leon Marchand. Wang’s career best sits at 1:54.62.
While Wang dominated action in the 200 IM, Pan Zhanle collected his latest freestyle victory of the week. Pan covered the 50 freestyle in 22.06, grabbing a first-place finish that complemented earlier wins in the 100 freestyle, 200 freestyle and 400 freestyle. Pan was followed in the sprint event by Yu Hexin, who touched the wall in 22.38.
The final of the women’s 200 backstroke went to Peng Xuwei in 2:07.57, which was a little less than a second quicker than the 2:08.41 of runnerup Liu Yaxin. In semifinal competition, Sun Jiajun was the top qualifier for the final of the men’s 100 butterfly in 51.52 and Yu Yiting led the way in the women’s 200 IM with a swim of 2:09.58.