From left, gold medalists Zhang Zhanshuo, Wang Haoyu, Ji Xinjie, and Pan Zhanle of China pose after the awarding ceremony for the men's 4X200m freestyle relay of swimming event at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb 16, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
DOHA - China celebrated a second consecutive day of comeback relay victory at the World Aquatics Championships on Friday.
In the men's 4x200m freestyle relay held Friday evening, the Chinese team composed of Ji Xinjie, Wang Haoyu, Pan Zhanle and Zhang Zhanshuo clinched gold with a time of 7 minutes and 1.84 seconds. This triumph followed China's win in the women's 4x200m freestyle relay on Thursday.
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The United States had established a significant lead in the relay, but Pan's performance turned the tide as he continuously narrowed the gap. Zhang, anchoring the final leg, completed the comeback with a strong finish.
Zhang Zhanshuo (bottom, in the pool) of China reaches the finish line during the men's 4X200m freestyle relay final of swimming event at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb 16, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Zhang Zhanshuo of China competes during the men's 4X200m freestyle relay final of swimming event at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb 16, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Pan Zhanle has now equaled Sun Yang's record for the most gold medals won by a Chinese male swimmer at a single World Championships, set in 2013
"Teamwork is crucial, and they entrusted me with this responsibility, so I had to perform well," Zhang said.
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This marked Pan's third gold medal in Doha. Previously, he and his teammates had secured victory in the 4x100m freestyle relay, and he also clinched the 100m individual title.
"We approached today's race with the same determination as the first day," Pan remarked.
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The 19-year-old has now equaled Sun Yang's record for the most gold medals won by a Chinese male swimmer at a single World Championships, set in 2013. He will also compete in the upcoming mixed 4x100m freestyle relay.
Pan Zhanle of China competes during the men's 4X200m freestyle relay final of swimming event at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb 16, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Team China (right) celebrates as team South Korea reacts after China won with a narrow margin during the men's 4X200m freestyle relay final of swimming event at the World Aquatics Championships 2024 in Doha, Qatar, Feb 16, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
South Korea also surpassed the United States in the final leg, finishing second by a margin of 0.1 seconds. The United States secured third place with a time of 7 minutes and 2.08 seconds.