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Butterfly queen Zhang Yufei smashes eight-year-old World Cup record in Budapest
CGTN
Zhang Yufei competes in the women's 200m butterfly final during the Swimming World Cup in Budapest, Hungary, October 20, 2023. /CFP
Zhang Yufei competes in the women's 200m butterfly final during the Swimming World Cup in Budapest, Hungary, October 20, 2023. /CFP

Zhang Yufei competes in the women's 200m butterfly final during the Swimming World Cup in Budapest, Hungary, October 20, 2023. /CFP

The true depths of Zhang Yufei's physical capabilities remain an enigma. 

Over the past three months, the swimming sensation has been on a non-stop whirlwind of diving into a multitude of top-tier international events, including the World Championships in Fukuoka, the World University Games in Chengdu, the Asian Games in Hangzhou, and the three stops of the World Cup Series.  

There has been no respite for the 25-year-old, dubbed China's "Butterfly Queen." And what is even more awe-inspiring is that she has managed to emerge victorious in almost every single event she has taken part in.

Zhang's most recent triumph unfolded on Friday night in Budapest, where she not only secured yet another gold medal but also set a new World Cup record in the fiercely contested 200m butterfly. 

Zhang Yufei reacts after winning the women's 200m butterfly final during the Swimming World Cup in Budapest, Hungary, October 20, 2023. /CFP
Zhang Yufei reacts after winning the women's 200m butterfly final during the Swimming World Cup in Budapest, Hungary, October 20, 2023. /CFP

Zhang Yufei reacts after winning the women's 200m butterfly final during the Swimming World Cup in Budapest, Hungary, October 20, 2023. /CFP

With stunning dominance, Zhang left her competitors in the dust, clocking an impressive time of 2:05.65 in the race. In doing so, she shattered the World Cup record of 2:06.33 that had stood unbroken for a staggering eight years. 

Zhang's reign of supremacy in the pool continued unabated, as she also came out on top in both Berlin and Athens. The trio of victories served as a testament to her unparalleled skill and unwavering dedication. Beginning with the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka in late July, Zhang's incredible journey has led to an astonishing collection of 22 gold medals.

Later in the day, Zhang's compatriot Qin Haiyang achieved his own triple crown, delivering a scorching time of 57.82 in the men's 100 breaststroke. While this performance was just shy of his own World Cup Record and Asian Record of 57.69, it remains a highly notable accomplishment.

Qin Haiyang competes in the men's 200m breaststroke final during the Swimming World Cup in Budapest, Hungary, October 20, 2023. /CFP
Qin Haiyang competes in the men's 200m breaststroke final during the Swimming World Cup in Budapest, Hungary, October 20, 2023. /CFP

Qin Haiyang competes in the men's 200m breaststroke final during the Swimming World Cup in Budapest, Hungary, October 20, 2023. /CFP

The final of this event brought together all the top talents in men's breaststroke in the current international swimming scene. However, it was only Qin who managed to swim within the 58-second mark. He has now demonstrated a formidable ability to consistently achieve such outstanding results in major competitions. 

It is worth highlighting that Qin has been on an unbeaten streak in the World Cup circuit, securing a breathtaking seven consecutive gold medals. In the preceding three months, Qin's exceptional display on the international stage has garnered a total of 21 gold medals, only one less than Zhang. 

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