China’s evergreen swimming sensation, Wang Shun, recently expressed his profound sense of pride and gratitude for being able to partake in Asia’s largest comprehensive sports event – the 19th Asian Games. Notably, this grand event took place in his hometown of Hangzhou, situated in East China’s Zhejiang Province. The renowned swimmer relayed his feelings in a heartfelt interview with the Global Times on Thursday.
On September 24, an emotional and ecstatic Wang claimed his position on the topmost pedestal during the men’s 200-meter individual medley final of the swimming event at the Asian Games. His triumphant win was not just any ordinary victory. With a staggering time of 1:54.62, he successfully surpassed the previous Asian record, which was also set by him. This achievement marked the fastest time clocked in this event since the year 2012, an eight-year record-breaking achievement.
Wang’s noteworthy participation wasn’t just confined to the pool. On the prior evening, during the opening ceremony of the Hangzhou Asian Games, he was bestowed with the significant responsibility of being the last torchbearer. Alongside him was the symbolic “digital torchbearer”, representing the collective fervor of over 100 million Asian enthusiasts. Together, they lit the cauldron, marking the commencement of the Asian Games.
Expressing his emotions regarding this momentous occasion, Wang shared, “Being a torchbearer for the Hangzhou Games was an experience nothing short of being surreal. Every single moment, right from the rehearsals, then receiving the flame during the grand opening ceremony, and finally lighting the cauldron, it all felt so dreamlike. For me, this honor serves as an acknowledgment of my past endeavors in the sport. The entire journey bolstered my confidence, making me optimistic about my future in the athletic world.”
Yet, every athlete’s journey is interspersed with highs and lows. Wang, the gold medalist in the men’s 200m individual medley at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, faced a challenging phase in his career at the Fukuoka 2023 World Aquatics Championships. His performance there was less than ideal. Finishing a disappointing 16th in the preliminaries of the men’s 200m individual medley, he barely escaped elimination. Subsequently, he ended up 11th in the semifinals, missing the finals altogether.
Recalling that challenging phase, Wang confided, “That period was mentally exhausting. Training sessions were filled with self-doubt and numerous negative thoughts. But the upcoming Asian Games in my hometown served as a beacon of hope. This event was not just any competition; it represented a significant chapter in my life.”
This challenging phase in Fukuoka also brought about an introspective period for Wang. He took time to reflect, recalibrate his mindset, and innovate his training methodologies. He was singularly focused on making a mark at the Hangzhou Games. Even though the anticipation and expectations from loved ones added a layer of pressure, it also acted as a driving force, bolstering his resolve.
Elatedly, he shared, “Thankfully, I managed to perform to my utmost potential during the competition. The results were gratifying, and I didn’t let anyone down.”
The subsequent swimming competition was a testament to Wang’s dedication and resilience. The seasoned swimmer, nearing the age of 30, showcased an impeccable performance. He took part in three events, pushing his limits in each. His efforts bore fruit as he secured a bronze in the men’s 400m individual medley and displayed a stellar performance in the men’s 4x100m medley relay preliminaries. Notably, he set a new personal record in the 100m backstroke during this event.
Delving into the nuances of his chosen discipline, Wang explained, “The medley is a culmination of four distinct strokes: butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle. My aim has always been to harness the potential of short-distance competitions and rigorous training to perfect my speed in the individual medley.”
Wang’s relationship with swimming began when he was just six years old. Over the years, he has accrued numerous accolades – a silver at the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010, a bronze at the Incheon Asian Games in 2014, and a gold at the Jakarta 2018 Asian Games. Marking his fourth participation in the Asian Games this year, he once again proved his mettle.
Wang philosophically stated, “Swimming isn’t just a sport for me; it’s the essence of my life. It has endowed me with countless experiences and, most importantly, a spirit that remains undeterred in the face of adversities.”
With an eye on the future, Wang noted that the Hangzhou Games hold special significance as the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He expressed his hope that his recent experiences would act as a gauge for his capabilities, helping him refine his mental and technical facets in preparation
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