**Title: China Swimmer Makes Asian Games History as Thai Sprinter Wins 100m Gold**
**Date: September 25, 2026**
In a remarkable display of athletic prowess at the Asian Games in Tokyo, 19-year-old swimmer Zhang Zhanshuo made history by becoming the first athlete to win seven gold medals at a single edition of the Games. His achievements were highlighted by a record-setting performance in the men’s 400m freestyle, where he clocked in at 3 minutes and 41.28 seconds.
Zhang's historic week included individual victories in the 200m, 800m, and 1,500m freestyle events, as well as three golds in relay competitions. After his final race, he took a moment to reflect on his unprecedented success, counting his medals on his fingers while seated on the lane divider. "I think the most important thing is to stay grounded and focused, because the Asian Games are not my ultimate goal," he remarked, indicating his sights are set on the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
China's dominance in the swimming events was evident, as the nation secured 30 of the 42 gold medals available in the pool during the Games. Among the standout performers was 13-year-old Yu Zidi, who also shone brightly, winning three individual gold medals, all achieved in Games-record times. Additionally, Japan's Shin Ohashi made headlines by breaking the world record in the men’s 200m breaststroke earlier in the competition.
On the track, the spotlight shone on Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson, who triumphed in the men’s 100m final. Boonson, 20, surged ahead in the final quarter of the race, finishing with a time of 9.90 seconds, which not only secured him the gold but also broke his own Games record set earlier that evening. This victory marked Thailand’s first gold medal in the men’s 100m since Suchart Jairsuraparp won on home soil in 1978.
In the women’s 100m final, China’s Chen Yujie also set a new Games record, winning with a time of 11.06 seconds. Both sprint events took place in Nagoya, where the audience was notably sparse, with rows of empty seats visible during the races.
The gymnastics competitions concluded with Filipino athlete Carlos Yulo securing his second gold medal of the Games in the men’s vault. Yulo, who previously won gold in the floor event, expressed his disbelief at his achievements, stating, "I can’t believe it. In this whole Asian Games, I felt really stressed, but at the same time, I enjoyed what I did today. I really did my part. Today was really a miracle for me."
In women’s basketball, South Korea edged out China 85-80 in a closely contested semifinal match, securing a spot in the gold medal game against hosts Japan. Despite the towering presence of 19-year-old Zhang Ziyu, who stands at 223cm (seven feet, four inches) and scored 22 points, China was unable to secure the victory.
North Korea’s weightlifting team continued to impress, with Oh Kwang Ok setting three world records on her way to winning gold in the women’s 57kg bodyweight class. Oh lifted 104kg in the snatch and 134kg in the clean and jerk, achieving a total of 238kg, which adds to the two golds won by North Korean women in the 49kg and 53kg classes earlier in the Games.
As the Asian Games draw to a close, athletes from various nations have showcased their talents and set new benchmarks in a range of sports, leaving a lasting impact on the competition and setting the stage for future events.