Top Aussie swimming coach says Chinese star’s world record swim to beat Kyle Chalmers is not humanly possible: ‘If it seems to good to be true, it probably is’

An esteemed Australian swimming coach has questioned the legitimacy of Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle’s remarkable 100m freestyle world record, stating that ‘if it appears too good to be true, it likely is.’

The 19-year-old talent surpassed his previous record by 0.4 seconds, decisively defeating Australian swimmer Kyle Chalmers, with a margin of one full second.

This impressive performance marked a historic achievement, giving China its first medal in the 100m freestyle, but coach Brett Hawke remains skeptical and admitted feeling ‘angry’ about the swim.

‘To be frank, I’m quite upset about that swim,’ Hawke expressed on Instagram following the race.

‘I’m angry for several reasons. My friends are among the fastest swimmers in history, including Rowdy Gaines, Alex Popov, Gary Hall Jr., and Anthony Irvin, right up to the likes of Kyle Chalmers. I’ve studied these athletes for 30 years.’

‘I’ve delved deeply into this sport and speed. I’m an expert, and that’s my specialization.’

‘Right now, I’m frustrated because winning the 100m freestyle by a body length against this level of competition is simply not feasible.’

‘It is not biologically possible to beat that field by a body length.’

Pan broke his own world record to win gold in the 100m freestyle final

Aussie swim coach Brett Hawke expressed disbelief at the extraordinary time set by Zhanle

‘This isn’t about race; it’s not directed at any specific individual or nation. It’s purely my perspective based on my knowledge.’

‘That’s not a feasible result; you don’t defeat competitors like Kyle Chalmers, David Popovici, and Jack Alexy by a body length in the 100m freestyle. It’s simply beyond human capability—so don’t try to convince me otherwise.’

Hawke, a former Olympic swimmer himself, shared an Instagram story that noted: ‘If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.’

Although he didn’t make direct allegations regarding doping, the Chinese swimming team has been under scrutiny since 23 swimmers tested positive for a banned substance before the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.

Chalmers expressed belief that his Chinese rival is drug-free

Pan was not part of the 23 swimmers implicated and was allowed to compete in Tokyo after world anti-doping authorities accepted China’s claim that contamination occurred through food in a team hotel.

Chalmers trusts that his Chinese rival is drug-free, having been bested in another Olympic event in Paris.

When questioned after the race about his concerns over Pan’s exceptional swim amidst doping allegations surrounding Chinese swimmers, Chalmers was clear in his support for his opponent.

‘I do everything in my power to win races and trust that everyone else is as committed to upholding the integrity of sport,’ stated Chalmers, who claimed the silver medal.

‘I have confidence that … he [Pan] rightfully earned that gold medal.’