Zhang Zhanshuo doubles up, Xu Jiayu and Li Bingjie shine on Day 3 at the Chinese National Games

The National Games, taking place every four years, are China’s premier domestic multi-sport event, showcasing many athletes who excel on the world stage.

Zhang Zhanshuo continued his breakout meet by capturing the men’s 200m freestyle title in 1:44.86 – a new Chinese national junior record and the fastest swim of his career. After winning the 400m freestyle on Monday, the 18-year-old again held off a strong field that included Olympic champion Pan Zhanle. Ji Xinjie (1:45.96) took silver, while Pan finished third in 1:46.37. Zhang’s time ranks second in the world this year, making him the third-fastest Chinese performer in history.

Olympic and World champion Xu Jiayu confirmed his dominance in the men’s 100 m backstroke, storming to victory in 52.39. The 30-year-old led from start to finish, extending his margin to more than a second over Wang Gukailai (53.88) and Jiang Chenglin (53.99). Xu’s performance shaved 0.31 off his semi-final time and continues his strong form following Olympic silver in Paris 2024.

In the women’s 100 m backstroke, Peng Xuwei touched first in 59.60, overtaking early leaders in the closing metres. Fourteen-year-old Lu Xingchen claimed silver in 59.96, and Wang Xueer took bronze for the home crowd in 59.99.

Distance specialist Li Bingjie dominated the women’s 1500m freestyle, clocking 15:55.40 for gold. Wu Ruoxin, 16, secured silver in a lifetime-best 16:00.61, making her China’s fifth-fastest performer ever, while Mao Yihan earned bronze in 16:04.92.

Olympic silver medallist Tang Qianting captured the women’s 100m breaststroke crown in 1:05.36, improving nearly a second from her semifinal performance. Yang Chang (1:06.06) and Song Zixin (1:07.83) completed the podium.

The Chinese National Games continue through the end of the week, with more finals to come in Shenzhen.