Asian Games 2026: Chinese swimming stars Zhang Yufei and Zhang Zhanshuo break data on closing day in pool

“The child of miracles”

His dominant Games have showcased Zhang’s resilience to strain and fatigue amid almost a dozen races.

“Of course I’m tired,” he stated through the week, “but more than anything, I am excited. If I have entered an event, I will give it everything I have. You build your form race by race. I will keep getting better.”

He actually gave the whole lot, and he solely bought higher for it.

After taking gold within the 800m on Monday (21 September), he jumped again in minutes later for his duties in main the People’s Republic of China’s 4×100 free relay crew to victory.

In his second relay, the lads’s 4x200m freestyle relay on the penultimate day, he produced an unparalleled leg to haul his nation atop the rostrum once more in Games report time.

Nearly a complete two seconds behind leaders Japan when he hit the water, Zhang produced the quickest report 200m relay cut up in historical past in 1:42.92.

Teammate, two-time Olympic champion, and childhood hero of Zhang’s, Zhanle Pan defined their choice for {the teenager} to anchor a stacked relay crew.

“Something always happens when he anchors,” he told Chinese media, per Record China. “He’s a champion. He is a child of miracles.”

Zhang’s victories in opposition to the continental titans of swimming haven’t been a shock since his debut breakthrough finally yr’s nationwide championships.

Prophetic of his efficiency a yr on on the Asian Games, he swept the person freestyle races, firing a brand new world junior report within the 400 at 3:42.82 within the course of – a time he has since shaved over a second off.

Zhang’s composure has served him properly on his path to Asian Games historical past.

“The key is to stay calm,” he stated on the nationwide championships final yr to China Daily.

“Just since you swim an excellent time at an enormous meet does not imply you overlook who you’re. You have to remain grounded. There are many individuals with extra expertise than me. You have to surrender sure issues — hand over playtime, hand over distractions. Only whenever you hand over are you able to achieve.

“I still need to learn from others.”

With the depth of Chinese swimming expertise on full show on the 20^th version of the Asian Games, together with the show-stealing golds of teen Yu Zidi, Zhang is a part of a brilliant future.

“Zidi is only 13 years old; it’s the younger generation who will carry forward the future of mid- and long-distance freestyle,” he continued final yr.

This yr, the longer term continues to be on his thoughts as he spoke to media in Tokyo: “It has been another good learning experience and helps (us) prepare mentally for future world championships and Olympic Games.”