A verbal clash has emerged between the Australian and Chinese swim teams at the Paris Olympics, sparked by three-time Olympian Kyle Chalmers who described an allegation of having snubbed China’s Pan Zhanle on the pool deck as “a bit odd”.
On Wednesday, Pan shattered the world record in the men’s 100m freestyle, earning gold while 2016 Rio champion Chalmers took home the silver. Pan’s impressive swim marked the first world record of these Games, which have been marred by accusations of sluggish water conditions.
In a post-race interview with a Chinese broadcaster, Pan stated that Chalmers had ignored the 19-year-old during the opening night of events.
“After the 4x100m freestyle relay the other day, I greeted Chalmers, but he completely brushed me off,” Pan recounted in a television interview shortly after Wednesday’s race.
Pan further criticized American swimmer Jack Alexy for reportedly being disrespectful to Chinese coaches during a training session.
“During our practice, our coach was on the poolside, and when he turned, water splashed on him. I felt he had a bit of a dismissive attitude towards us.”
China’s Pan Zhanle shakes hands with Australia’s Kyle Chalmers after the 100m freestyle final. Photograph: Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock
Chalmers addressed the allegations, asserting in a statement issued through the Australian Olympic Committee on Thursday morning that he held nothing but respect for Pan.
“I find it a bit strange. I gave him a fist bump before the relays, and then my attention shifted to my teammates and my own races,” remarked the Tokyo 100m freestyle silver medallist. “We shared a laugh during cooldown last night – but I had no issues on my side.”
Pan Zhanle claims Kyle Chalmers disrespected him prior to his world record 100m freestyle gold. Photograph: China News Service/Getty Images
The allegation stands out especially due to earlier remarks made by Chalmers to reporters on Tuesday following the 100m semi-final. When asked about his younger competitors – Chalmers, while only 26, is a seasoned swimmer having won gold eight years ago – he recalled comments previously made by Pan.
“Last year, before the world championships final, it was remarkable to hear [Britain’s] Matt Richards come up and say, ‘it’s an honor to race against you, I grew up watching you, you’ve been an idol to me,’” Chalmers shared. “And even Pan, the Chinese swimmer, right before we walked out said: ‘Oh, you’re my idol – I’ve always loved watching you’.”
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“That was quite overwhelming – I believe their first Olympic encounter was probably when I won gold in Rio,” Chalmers added. “So to inspire this next generation of 100m freestylers, while still being able to keep up with them to some extent, feels great.”
The stir in the pool coincided with reports that Chinese authorities had suspected Australian meat for causing positive doping tests. On Tuesday, it was reported that two Chinese swimmers had tested positive for a banned substance in October 2022 but were exonerated after asserting they had consumed contaminated meat.
In the wake of the positive tests, Chinese officials reportedly tested Australian beef for contamination, suspecting that hamburgers made from imported meat could be the source of the banned substance.
Meat contamination is an acknowledged issue in anti-doping, although Meat and Livestock Australia, an industry organization, stated on Wednesday that the banned substance, metandienone, “is not utilized in any capacity in Australian beef production or veterinary medicine.”
After five days of the swimming program at Paris 2024, Australia leads the medal tally with four gold medals. Pan’s victory on Wednesday marked the first gold for China at the meet.
