Sun Yang wins second gold in men's 800m freestyle

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Top Chinese swimmer Sun Yang got his second gold medal in men’s 800m freestyle at the 2018 Asian Games on Monday night.

Starting in lane four, Sun followed tightly with Japanese swimmer Takeda Shogo for the first half, but after 400 meters, Sun sped up and made an apparent margin against the runner-up, before setting an Asian Games record with a time of 7:48.36. Takeda won the silver medal with the result of 7:53.01, followed by Vietnamese swimmer Nguyen Hui Hoang.

Sun's result broke the Asian Games record as he won his 7th individual gold medal.

Sun won 200-meter gold in the Asian Games on Sunday to complete what he calls a golden grand slam.

The 27-year-old had previously won gold in the 200, 400, and 1,500 meter freestyles at both the Olympics and the World Championships.

Sun Yang's most recent victory makes him the first male swimmer in history to earn Olympic and World Championship gold medals at every freestyle distance from 200 meters to 1,500 meters.

After winning silver in the 200 meters at the 2014 Incheon Asian Games, Sun finally has the last piece in his collection of golden accolades.

Sun Yang won the 200m freestyle at the Asian Game for the first time on August 19, 2018. /VCG photo

“Actually, the most difficult event for me in the Asian Games is the 200-meter freestyle. All the other long-distance events are easier for me. Competitors from other countries are eager to beat me here, but I think I am experienced in many aspects and made a good start for China's men's swimming team,” Said Sun Yang.

A three-time Olympic gold medalist and nine-time world champion, Sun is the most decorated Chinese swimmer of all-time. Fans came from all over China to cheer for the leader of China's swimming team.

Former NBA star Kobe Bryant mentioned Sun on his official Weibo account after he won the 200m freestyle gold medal at the Asian Games. /Screenshot from Kobe Bryant's Weibo account

Also, former NBA star Kobe Bryant praised Sun's accomplishment on his official Weibo account, China's Twitter-like social media platform.

"'What is the most valuable skill in the world? It is perseverance.' – Sun Yang, Chinese Olympic Gold Medalist and world record holding swimmer," Kobe said.

In addition to his supporters, Sun is also surrounded by the media. The “Sun Yang” fever will last for the first week in the pool as he will participate in four events and is expected to add to his medal haul.