Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle wins first race against Sun Yang – but admits to nerves
South China Morning Post - SportsSunday, May 18, 2025 at 10:15:09 AM
** Rising star Pan Zhanle just pulled off a major upset by beating Olympic champion Sun Yang in their first head-to-head race at the Chinese National Swimming Championships. But here’s the twist—Pan openly admitted he was "particularly nervous" going into it, showing a refreshing dose of honesty amid the pressure. This wasn’t just a race; it was a symbolic passing of the torch between generations.
What This Means: ** Sun Yang’s dominance in Chinese swimming has been unquestioned for years, so Pan’s win—and his candidness about the nerves that came with it—signals a shift. It’s not just about the result; it’s about a new generation stepping up, unpolished and human, in a sport where mental toughness is everything. For swimming fans, this could be the start of an exciting new rivalry.
— Curated via WP Now’s AI editorial system
