Xu Jiayu (L) and Wang Gukailai of China celebrate after the men's 50m backstroke final at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Sept. 25, 2023. (Xinhua/Du Yu)
China's star swimmer Xu Jiayu clinched the men's 50m backstroke gold in 24.38 seconds at the Hangzhou Asiad, while his compatriot Wang Gukailai finished in second.
HANGZHOU, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- China's star swimmer Xu Jiayu won the men's 50m backstroke gold medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games on Monday.
Xu, who bagged five gold medals at the 2018 Jakarta Asiad, finished first in 24.38 seconds. His compatriot Wang Gukailai, 20, came second in 24.88 seconds. Japan's Ryosuke Irie won the bronze in 25.15 seconds.
"I feel so good to clock my personal best time, though I wanted to swim faster," said Xu, who is making his third Asian Games appearance in Hangzhou.
The 28-year-old swimmer acknowledged that it's not easy to improve his competence at this age, but his teammate Wang Shun's excellent performance has motivated him.
"As an athlete, we always need to make breakthroughs at any time and any age," said Xu. ■
