TOKYO, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- China continued its strong start in swimming at the 2026 Asian Games on Monday, winning five gold medals and setting two Asian records on the second day of competition.
One of the day's standout performances came from 13-year-old Yu Zidi, who won her second gold of the Games in the women's 200-meter individual medley in an Asian record of 2 minutes, 6.10 seconds.
It was the first Asian swimming record of the Games before China lowered another in the men's 4x200 freestyle relay later in the evening.
Yu described the record as "an unexpected surprise" and said following the technical details laid out by her coach had been key.
"I didn't know beforehand what time I would swim," she said. "The most important thing was the technical details my coach gave me."
Xu Jiayu successfully defended his men's 50 backstroke title in a Games-record 24.04 seconds, claiming his second gold after winning the 100 backstroke on Sunday. Teammate Wang Zicheng took silver in 24.49.
"I hope my performance can inspire the younger athletes," said Xu, who completed a backstroke double for the third consecutive Asian Games.
The 30-year-old said the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics remained a goal but acknowledged the challenges of continuing to compete as an older athlete. He credited the national team with giving veteran swimmers greater flexibility and more personalized training plans.
"I can train more freely and relax more in Hangzhou. I have time to go out, enjoy nature, rather than being immersed in training every day," Xu said. "I think it can improve our efficiency and also put us in a better mood when facing our work."
China also took the top two places in the women's 50 backstroke, with Wan Letian winning gold in 27.47 and Wang Xue'er taking silver in 27.66.
For Wan, the victory carried added significance because she raced without her coach by her side for the first time.
"Before, my coach was always there to help me relieve the pressure. This time I had to rely completely on myself," Wan said. "I think the result is very good for me."
South Korea's Kim Yeong-beom also made his mark in the men's 50 freestyle, breaking the Asian Games record twice on Monday and winning the final in 21.66.
China's Dong Zhihao shared the men's 100m breaststroke gold with Japan's Ohashi Shin after both clocked 58.64. World champion Qin Haiyang took bronze in 59.01.
Siobhan Haughey of Hong Kong, China won the women's 200 freestyle in 1:54.96. Returning to the pool where she set the Asian record in the event five years ago, Haughey said she had "so many great memories" there and recalled the sense of calm and confidence she felt before the Olympic final.
"I remember my coach told me to enjoy the moment because it's not often that you get to be at the finals of the Olympics," Haughey said.
Haughey also praised Yu's performance.
"It's so amazing to see young swimmers swim that fast, and she's only 13, so I'm sure she still has a long way to go," she said.
The night ended with China winning the men's 4x200 freestyle relay in an Asian record of 7:00.17, with Zhang Zhanshuo producing a dramatic comeback on the anchor leg to overtake Japan in the final 50 meters. Japan finished second in 7:01.05 and South Korea third in 7:06.76.
For Xu Haibo, it was his first time teaming up with the three more experienced swimmers in international competition.
"Seeing Zhang Zhanshuo gradually catch up, my heart was almost jumping out of my chest," Xu said. "I was so excited that I shouted my throat out."
Pan Zhanle said the relay had helped him rediscover the form he showed at the national championships, while acknowledging he still has room for improvement.
Zhang, who clocked 1:42.9 on the anchor leg to erase a deficit of nearly two seconds, said he never stopped believing a comeback was possible.
"I have three very strong teammates, including a world-record holder. Why should I be afraid of the opponents?" Zhang said.
"This is a very good start. My Asian Games have just begun," he added. ■
