Tang Qianting Again Lowers Asian Record in 100 Breaststroke at Chinese Olympic Trials; Pan Zhanle Claims 200 Free Title
While the doping controversy surrounding 23 Chinese athletes from ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games has been the main story in the sport over the past few days, China has simultaneously conducted its National Championships. The meet serves as the qualifying meet for this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris, and there have been several quick performances posted.
On Sunday night, Tang Qianting set her second consecutive Asian record in the 100-meter breaststroke with a mark of 1:04.39. Second place went to Yang Chang in 1:06.39. The swim moves Tang to the No. 4 performer in history and shaved .29 off the Asian standard she had set in the semifinals. Only Lilly King (1:04.13), Ruta Meilutyte (1:04.35) and Yuliya Efimova (1:04.36) have been faster in the history of the event.
The 200 freestyle events featured strong outings from both genders. On the women’s side, Yang Junxuan delivered a mark of 1:54.37 to claim a nearly two-second win over runnerup Li Bingjie (1:56.29). Liu Yaxin (1:56.56) and Tang Muhan (1:56.85) also cracked the 1:57 barrier. Meanwhile, Pan Zhanle secured a narriw victory in the men’s 200 freestyle, as his effort of 1:45.68 edged the 1:45.86 of Ji Xinjie.
Former world champion Xu Jiayu dominated the men’s 100 backstroke with a time of 52.39, good for a win by more than a second.
Yu Yiting prevailed in the women’s 400 individual medley in 4:39.60 and Wang Xueer led the semifinals of the women’s 100 backstroke in 59.45.
Mmmm but there’s no systemic doping in China! Right ….