The People’s Republic of China’s Pan Zhanle shattered his own world mark set earlier in the year with a remarkable 46.40 in the final of the Men’s 100m Freestyle on night five of racing at Paris 2024.

Pan touched more than a second clear of Rio 2016 gold medallist Kyle Chalmers (47.48), and former world record holder David Popovici (47.49).

Swimming in his first Olympic Games, and first individual final of Paris 2024, Pan was first at the turn in 22.28 and closed out the record-breaking swim in 24.12 – a final lap that was more than half a second faster than his previous world mark.

After breaking the world record at Doha 2024, Pan had predicted more to come in Paris.

Image Source: Al Bello/Getty Images

“I believe I will swim faster than 46.80, today is just the beginning, it is a part of the process,” Pan told World Aquatics.

While celebrating his first Olympic gold medal tonight, Pan almost didn’t make the final having placed 13th in yesterday morning’s heats. Pan eased up over the final lap to touch in 48.40 – sneaking into the semi finals by just 0.05 seconds.

Pan’s record is first world record to be set at Paris 2024 and he remains the only male swimmer to set a new individual world mark this calendar year.

World Records – Paris 2024

46.40 – Pan Zhanle (CHN), Men’s 100m Freestyle  [prev: 46.80 - Pan Zhanle (CHN), 2024]