Paris 2024 Olympics: China’s Pan obliterates 100m freestyle world record for gold

The 19-year-old’s time of 46.40 seconds shaved 0.40 seconds off his previous mark set at the World Championships in Doha in February.

Gold Medalist Zhanle Pan of Team People’s Republic of China celebrates on the podium during the Swimming medal ceremony after the Men’s 100m Freestyle Final on day five of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. | Photo Credit: SARAH STIER

 China’s Pan Zhanle obliterated his own 100 metres freestyle world record at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday as he took an astonishing gold medal in the event at the Paris Olympics and humbled a slew of champion rivals.

The 19-year-old’s time of 46.40 seconds shaved an incredible 0.40 seconds off his previous mark set at the World Championships in Doha in February when he announced himself to the world with a stunning relay leadoff swim.

Australia’s silver medallist Kyle Chalmers finished a yawning 1.08 seconds behind the incredible Pan, while David Popovici finished a further 0.01 second behind for the bronze.

There was no easing in for Pan who took off like a rocket and mowed down the opening 50 metres in an outrageous 22.28 seconds.

Any hopes Chalmers and Popovici might have had of catching him were blown out of the water as the Chinese sensation stretched his lead and flew to the wall.