18-05-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle wins first race against Sun Yang – but admits to nerves
The Chinese National Swimming Championships have started with a bang as Sun Yang and Pan Zhanle – respectively China's best of a decade ago and the present – raced for the first time, in the men's 400m freestyle.
It went the younger man's way as 20-year-old Pan, the reigning Olympic 100m freestyle champion, came home first in Shenzhen late on Saturday in 3:45.34, just ahead of Fei Liwei's 3:45.57 for silver.
Sun, 33, who still holds the national 400m record with a time of 3:40.14 set in 2012, had to settle for bronze in 3:47.53.
'He [Pan] is already standing at the highest position an athlete can,' Sun said. 'He has a long future ahead of him, and I hope he can be happy when he competes.'
Sun Yang (right) helps Pan Zhanle (centre) with his race number on the podium in Shenzhen. Photo: Xinhua
Double Olympic gold medallist Pan is renowned for his speed over shorter distances and has not competed internationally in several months.
