Feature: Olympic swimming champion Wang completes his 10-year dream

2021-09-25 08:35:54 GMT2021-09-25 16:35:54(Beijing Time) Xinhua English

XI'AN, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- In the thunderous cheers around the natatorium, Olympic swimming gold medalist Wang Shun raised his hands and made a gesture that stands for the number "3" to the audience.

Wang, who won gold in the men's 200m individual medley at Tokyo 2020, claimed his third straight title in the event at China's 14th National Games here on Friday, raising his gold medal tally at the quadrennial tournament to 15.

Just five days ago, Wang bagged his third straight gold medal in the men's 400m individual medley at the Games.

"The past 10 years of hard-working is worthwhile," said Wang in relief.

"I've spend 10 years to chase my previous record created in the summer of 2011," Wang wrote on Twitter-like platform Weibo when he claimed his 13th gold in the Games on Wednesday, also posting a photo of him cheering in the swimming pool.

Ten years ago, Wang was crowned in 200m individual freestyle in 1:46.14 at China's City Games. At that time, he was amazed by his performance. Over the past 10 years, Wang had been working persistently to meet a better record.

On Wednesday, Wang bagged three gold medals in one day and climbed to the top of the podium in the men's 200m individual freestyle.

Finished first in 1:46.14, the exactly same result as that in the City Games in 2011, Wang held his arms high, enjoying the warm applause and cheers from the audience.

In July, Wang clocked an Asian record time of one minute and 55.00 seconds to win the men's 200m individual medley at the Tokyo Olympics.

Based on his remarkable performance in Tokyo, many people assumed his gold medal in the event a definite result at the National Games, though Wang never took the championship for granted.

"For me, every medal is a hard-earned one, every step forward requires great devotion," said Wang.

After Wang claimed the title at the Tokyo Olympics, he started to shoulder more responsibility for the Chinese swimming team. Standing on the new stage of his life, the 27-year-old Wang is full of confidence.

"I will go all out in my daily training and future events," added Wang, who sets his eyes on Paris 2024. Enditem

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