(Photo: CGTN)
Wang Jianjiahe from China won gold in women's 400-meter freestyle event at the International Swimming Federation (FINA) Swimming World Cup (short course) in Budapest, Hungary on Thursday by finishing with three minutes and 53.97 seconds, a new world record.
After the race on Thursday, Wang became the first Chinese swimmer to break the world record in 400m freestyle event. "I wasn't aware of the splits. I just wished to follow the plan my coach set up for me. I'm really happy now," said Wang.
Wang ranked No.1 in the preliminary round with four minutes and 1.94 seconds, which was not her full strength. As the final round approached, Wang did not spare any effort and took the lead from the beginning. As the race went to 300 meters, she's already leading by five seconds, killing the suspense of the competition before winning with a new world record.
Leah Smith from the US took the silver with three minutes and 58.94 seconds while Femke Heemskerk from the Netherlands came in third with four minutes and 0.03 seconds. Former world record holder Mireia Belmonte from Spain ended ranking No.6 with four minutes and 7.43 seconds.
At 16-years-old, Wang started swimming in 2007 and joined Team China in 2016. She became known by the world at the 2018 Asian Games as she won four gold medals respectively in the 1500m freestyle, 800m freestyle, 400m freestyle and 4x200m freestyle relay.
After the Asian Games, Wang became even more unstoppable as she took the gold in the 400m freestyle and 800m freestyle at the FINA Swimming World Cup in Eindhoven and setting new Asian records for the two events.
