19TH ASIAN GAMES
- Sunday, September 24th – Friday, September 29th (swimming)
- Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Aquatic Sports Arena, Hangzhou, China
- LCM (50m)
- Meet Central
- Entries
- Results
While competing on day one of the 19th Asian Games, 19-year-old Pan Zhanle crushed a new lifetime best of 46.97 to take gold in the men’s 100m freestyle.
His time checked in a lifetime best and the Chinese swimmer’s first-ever foray under the 47-second barrier, with Pan becoming the 5th-fastest performer in history. Entering this competition, Pan’s PB rested at the 47.22 he produced at this year’s Chinese Championships.
Pan said of his result in Hangzhou this evening, “I felt my performance was average…I was aiming to break the World Record before the race.
“It’s a bit disappointing that I missed it by only .01”
The World Record remains at the 46.86 Romania’s David Popovici put on the books at the 2022 European Championships.
Pan continued, “I will continue to strive towards the goal of breaking the World Record in the future.”
The teen is also entered in the 50m/200m/400m free individual events, as well as three relays over the course of the meet.
Pan Zhanle, the Asian record holder in Men's 100m Freestyle, expressed his determination to break the world record next time. Let's cheer for him!#Hangzhou #AsianGames #AsianRecord #Swimming #Freestyle #WorldRecord #HangzhouAsianGames @WorldAquatics @swimswamnews pic.twitter.com/TRpBK1CvGi
— The 19th Asian Games Hangzhou Official (@19thAGofficial) September 24, 2023
Just want to mention that Pan anchored 46.62 in mixed medley relay during World Championships and barely missed the bronze in 100m free by 0.01s, in case someone did not know the result of WC this year.
He already placed fourth in World championships last year.
This guy has high standard. I like it. He seems to be determined, always want to improve and do big thing.
Ok, now I can expect him to break Popovici’s WR at Paris next year.
1 year ago I believed that Paris would be dominated by Popovici. Not so much now. This guy was born the same year as Popovici. Both have great margins for improvement.
As people are saying, 100 free is truly an open event for anyone to take in Paris. Chalmers probably has the best chance as the most matured racer, but that also means he is getting older. D-Pop is getting older in a good way and will likely bounce back and have a great performance at the games. Obviously, Pan is now a threat, and still very young. If Alexy keeps his upward trajectory and improves starts and turns he will be a big factor as well. Dressel returning to the mix (especially in this event) is unlikely but still possible and would add even more heat to this event. Ane who knows, maybe someone else will pop up this year… Read more »
Where does this “Alexy has terrible start” myth come from? Rowdy Gaines?
Alexy stats:
100 free
Prelims 0.67 RT 22.76 first 50
Semis 0.68 RT 22.98 first 50
Final 0.67 RT 22.48 (fastest in the field) first 50
His start is MILES better that Chalmers.
The fact that he won 50 free silver means his start is NOT TERRIBLE.
Reaction time doesn’t equal a good start
Its not. Conveniently, chinese usually only perform great times at asian games. In the world stage they usually falter. This guy wont even be on the podium in Paris.
Same energy as Milak when he didn’t get the 2 fly record
At least Pan celebrated after the event
The PEOPLE demand a live recap blog!
Spencer is on it for finals.
[insert cheering gif]
At this point the 100free in Paris feels pretty open. I’d give Chalmers 25% chance, Popo 25%, pan 25% and the field 25%
Curious that Hwang went 47.5 in 2021 and hasn’t gone faster
Everyone was so confident Pop would rule the 100 free for the next decade. Now he has a 25% chance?
That’s fair methinks
That’s how quick things change
I think most people will agree that if Popo swims to his potential, he would win and it probably wouldn’t be close
Pan is basically the same age as Popovici with a 0.11 PB difference, I don’t think “it probably wouldn’t be close” is true
Some people think David is destined for 46.3-46.5
Nothing is destined. Dressel was to be undefeated in championships from 2017 until 2024 and then a skinny kid rolled up on the scene. Now Pan Zhanle is here.
Dressel seems out of the mix but he’s got time and a mission. Pop last summer showing he’s human, but we all know he’s not a regular one. Poised beyond his years. Chalmers looking strong, duct taped shoulders have been looking bullet proof lately.
The thing about races is that races haven’t been raced yet. New talent to emerge, there’s always a bigger (faster) fish.
Jack Alexy, 2024 champ. 46.22, WR.
Jersey Boys up 🆙‼️💯
Chinese swimmers only swim well during asian games. This guy wont even be top 5
I still believe that Popovic will win the championship
Pan wont even be in the podium. Chinese swimmers usually only perform at asian games. Unless doped
Wang Shun beat Marchand’s best time in 200 IM
So? He wont beat him h2h.