Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023: China's Qin Haiyang claimed his fourth gold medal at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka 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, reports Xinhua News.
The 24-year-old Chinese built a lead of 0.97 seconds over defending champion and world record holder Zac Stubblety-Cook of Australia after 50 meters and never looked back.
He touched home first in a time of 2:05.48 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 won the 100m breaststroke and 50m breaststroke and added a third gold in the mixed 4x100m medley relay.
"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 Hunan Province in central China, Qin moved to Shanghai with his parents when he was nine years old. His coaches there laid a solid foundation for his future success.
Stubblety-Cook finished second in 2:06.40. Matt Fallon of the United States took bronze in 2:07.74.
China’s Dong Zhihao, 18, finished fourth in 2:08.04 – a World Junior record.