Fabulous four for ‘Golden Boy’ of Chinese swimming

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‍Continuing his golden splash in the pool, Chinese Olympic champion Sun Yang made it a fabulous four gold medal-haul as he overcame a sore throat and fatigue to finish first in the men's 1,500m freestyle at the Chinese National Swimming Championships in Taiyuan on Wednesday.

After sweeping titles in 200m, 400m, and 800m freestyle and a bronze medal in 100m, the prolific swimmer emphatically win the 1,500m race in 15:04.92 to bag five medals in the championships this year. He outclassed the Shandong duo of Ji Xinjie and Cheng Long, who finished second and third, respectively.

Chinese Olympic champion swimmer at the podium after winning the 1,500m freestyle gold at the Chinese National Swimming Championships in Taiyuan, April 18. /VCG Photo

“No one could compete from 100, 200, 400, 800, 1,500 freestyle in one meet. I did it! Especially since I did it with the reaction of plateaux, such as dryness, sore throat and fatigue. I felt proud of myself,” an emotionally-charged Sun remarked as he broke down into tears.

He also added: “It was a challenge and test for me that I finally overcame all those difficulties and all five races. It also brought me more confidence in the future. I will take good rest and set my next goal in the Asian Games in August.”

The Chinese National Swimming Championships also serves as the Asian Games Trials for the Chinese swimmers.

(With input from Xinhua)