Qin Haiyang of China competes in the men's 200m breaststroke final at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Sept. 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Xue Yuge)
China's Qin Haiyan, the first swimmer in history to sweep three breaststroke gold medals in a single World Championships last July, heads to repeat the feat at the Hangzhou Asian Games after winning both the 100m and 200m.
HANGZHOU, Sept. 28 (Xinhua) -- China's swimming sensation Qin Haiyang powered to the 200m breaststroke gold medal on Thursday, adding to his 100m crown at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Qin timed a Games record of two minutes and 7.03 seconds to claim the gold, but the result was far behind his 2:05.48 world record set at the Fukuoka worlds in July.
Qin Haiyang celebrates after winning the men's 100m breaststroke final at the Hangzhou Asian Games, Sept. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
As the first swimmer in history to sweep three breaststroke gold medals in a single World Championships, the 24-year-old Chinese star will try to repeat his achievement at the Asiad. He will compete in the 50m breast on Friday.
"I was hoping to swim under 2:07. I wasn't far off, but I guess this means I still relaxed a little," he said.
Talking about competing at a home Games, he said, "It's definitely different when we are the hosts. A lot more is within your control - we are pampered in that sense."
As for his plans for the National Day holiday, Qin added, "I will prepare for competing overseas. We need to get used to the time zone and environment on the European circuit so that we are prepared for Paris 2024."
His countryman Dong Zhihao came second in 2:08.67, while Japan's Ippei Watanabe finished third in 2:09.91. ■