Pan Zhanle's Golden Moment: Breaking Records at the Paris Olympics

Pan Zhanle of China set a new world record by winning the men's 100-meter freestyle at the Paris Olympics, clocking in at 46.40 seconds. This achievement marks China's first swimming gold medal at these games. Despite doping allegations surrounding the Chinese team, Pan remains uninvolved and insists all tests were routine.

Pan Zhanle of China broke his own world record during the men's 100-meter freestyle event, securing the nation's first swimming gold medal at the Paris Olympics with a time of 46.40 seconds.

He surpassed his previous record of 46.80 set at the world championships in February. "It was a magical moment, really magical," Pan commented, emphasizing that the record was a significant achievement not only for China but for the world. The 19-year-old narrowly defeated Kyle Chalmers of Australia and Romanian bronze medalist David Popovici. Chalmers clocked a time of 47.48, while Popovici finished in 47.49.

This momentous event came after four days without new world records in swimming at the Paris Games. Chalmers had previously won gold in the 100-meter freestyle at the 2016 Rio Olympics and secured a silver medal in Tokyo three years ago. Notably, American swimmer Caeleb Dressel, the defending champion, did not qualify this time.

Concerning doping allegations, Pan has remained uninvolved. The Chinese swimming team has denied the claims, stating they have undergone frequent testing. Pan stressed the adherence to regulations, "This was standard. The tests were done under all the regulations. I don't think it influenced my performance." Meanwhile, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) issued a statement expressing concern over cases being closed without sanctions, citing contamination theories.

(With inputs from agencies.)