- Pan Zhanle claimed gold with a phenomenal swim in the 100m freestyle
- Set a new world record, finishing a full second ahead of Chalmers
China’s Pan Zhanle expressed frustration towards Kyle Chalmers after clinching victory in the 100m freestyle at the Paris Olympics, setting a remarkable world record.
The 19-year-old swimmer improved his own record by 0.4 seconds, triumphing over Chalmers, who earned silver with a remarkable comeback from last place at the turn, while reconsidering his retirement plans.
“After completing the 4x100m freestyle relay on the first day of the Games, I approached Chalmers, but he completely ignored me,” Pan commented to Chinese media following his victory.
“This also happened with the US team’s Jack Alexy.”
“In training, our coach was on the deck when someone executed a flip turn, splashing water on him.”
“This behavior felt quite disrespectful to us.”
“However, today we bested them all and broke the world record in a challenging pool. It was an incredible feat.”
Chalmers, satisfied with his silver medal, believes Pan’s victory is clean after losing another Olympic title to the young Chinese swimmer.
Gold medal winner Pan Zhanle (left) accused Chalmers (right) of snubbing him before he set a stunning world record in the 100m freestyle on Thursday morning
The 19-year-old also claimed he got the same treatment from American swimming star Jack Alexy – then said one of the Chinese coaches was splashed with water in a ‘disrespectful’ act
The gold medallist made the accusations in a post-race interview with Chinese media (pictured)
In response to concerns about the possibility of doping allegations regarding Pan’s remarkable swim, Chalmers voiced his unwavering support for his rival.
“I do everything within my power to win the race and trust that everyone else is doing the same while respecting the integrity of the sport,” silver medalist Chalmers stated.
“I believe that … he [Pan] rightfully earned that gold medal.”
China’s swimming team has faced heightened scrutiny since it was revealed that 23 swimmers tested positive for banned substances before the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.
Pan was not part of the 23 and competed in Tokyo after anti-doping authorities accepted China’s claim that the swimmers had consumed contaminated food at a team hotel.
In Paris, Pan recorded a time of 46.40 seconds, surpassing his previous best by 0.40 seconds, with Chalmers (47.48) describing the performance as ‘incredible.’
The Chinese star set a stunning world record as he finished a second ahead of Chalmers (pictured with his silver medal) – but the Aussie later said he trusts that there was no doping involved in the incredible swim
“It’s a time I never imagined or thought possible,” Chalmers reflected.
“In the last 15 meters… I was contemplating that I might come in last since he was so far ahead of me.”
Chalmers now possesses consecutive Olympic silver medals, following his gold in 2016 during the premier event.
His fellow countryman Zac Stubblety-Cook also took silver on Wednesday night as he attempted to defend his men’s 200m breaststroke title.
He finished behind French superstar Leon Marchand, who set an Olympic record and secured two gold medals within one hour, cheered on by an enthusiastic local crowd at the La Defense Arena.
“It didn’t feel like a swim meet; it felt like a rugby match… you could hardly hear yourself think,” Stubblety-Cook remarked.
Marchand excelled in both the 200m butterfly and subsequently in the breaststroke, bringing his total gold medals to three at his hometown Games.
In the women’s 100m freestyle final the previous night, Australia’s pre-race favorite Mollie O’Callaghan (fourth) and fellow countrywoman Shayna Jack (fifth) were unable to secure medals.
“I anticipated much more,” O’Callaghan stated.
“But at the end of the day, one must accept it and wait another four years.”
