China's Pan backs up world record in relays by winning 100 free at world championships
China’s Pan Zhanle backed up his world record in the swimming relays by winning the men’s 100-meter freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar
By AP News
Published - Feb 15, 2024, 12:04 PM ET
Last Updated - Feb 15, 2024, 12:04 PM EST
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — China's Pan Zhanle backed up his world record in the swimming relays by winning the men's 100-meter freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships on Thursday.
The 19-year-old Pan swam the fastest 100 in history with a time of 46.80 seconds in the lead-off leg of China’s gold medal-winning 4x100 relay team.
Four days later, he didn't go quite as fast. It was fast enough for gold, however, as Pan touched in 47.53 to stamp himself as one of the top contenders heading to the Paris Olympics.
“This was very hard,” Pan said. “This is my first (individual) world championship title. I know it's only the beginning. I will keep moving forward and let's meet in Paris.”
