Gold medalist Qin Haiyang of China reacts during the awarding ceremony of men's 200m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
FUKUOKA, Japan, July 28 (Xinhua) -- China's Qin Haiyang claimed his fourth gold medal at the World Aquatics Championships on Friday as he stormed to victory in the men's 200m breaststroke with a new world record.
He also became the first swimmer in history to sweep three breaststroke gold medals in a single World Championships.
The 24-year-old built a lead of 0.97 seconds over defending champion and world record holder Zac Stubblety-Cook after 50 meters and never looked back.
He touched home first in a time of two minutes 05.48 seconds, taking 0.47 seconds off the previous world mark of 2:05.95 set by the Australian on May 19, 2022.
Prior to his triumph on Friday, Qin had secured double victories in 50m and 100m breaststroke and a mixed 4x100m medley relay title at the Fukuoka worlds.
"I said that my pre-race target is to win three breaststroke gold medals," said Qin.
"I knew that nobody had achieved this, but I was very confident to fight for it. I was really sure to keep that confidence."
Despite his unprecedented feat, Qin has kept his feet on the ground.
"These gold medals will be your burden if you always think you are a world champion. I will take every competition as a new start and new challenge because my rivals are also improving," he said.
Born in central China's Hunan Province, Qin moved to Shanghai with his parents when he was nine years old, and he got coaches there, which laid a solid foundation for his future success.
Qin made his Olympic debut in Tokyo, tying for the best time in his 200m breast heat but getting disqualified.
Stubblety-Cook, who led the pool in the semifinals, finished second in 2:06.40. Matt Fallon of the United States took bronze in 2:07.74. ■
Qin Haiyang of China competes during the men's 200m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
Qin Haiyang of China competes during the men's 200m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Qin Haiyang (L) of China competes during the men's 200m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
Qin Haiyang (2nd R) of China competes during the men's 200m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Qin Haiyang of China reacts after the men's 200m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Qin Haiyang (L) of China celebrates with his teammate Dong Zhihao after the men's 200m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Gold medalist Qin Haiyang (C) of China, silver medalist Zac Stubblety-Cook (L) of Australia and bronze medalist Matt Fallon of the United States pose during the awarding ceremony of men's 200m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Gold medalist Qin Haiyang (C) of China, silver medalist Zac Stubblety-Cook (L) of Australia and bronze medalist Matt Fallon of the United States pose for pictures after the awarding ceremony of men's 200m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
Gold medalist Qin Haiyang (C) of China, silver medalist Zac Stubblety-Cook (L) of Australia and bronze medalist Matt Fallon of the United States pose for pictures after the awarding ceremony of men's 200m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Qin Haiyang of China reacts before the men's 200m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Qin Haiyang (L) of China is interviewed after the men's 200m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Dong Zhihao of China competes during the men's 200m breaststroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Hubert Kos of Hungary competes during the men's 200m backstroke final of swimming at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
