For rising swimming sensation Zhang Zhanshuo, going up against Chinese titans of the pool Sun Yang and Pan Zhanle at the 15th National Games in Shenzhen, Guangdong province this week, must have been nerve-racking.
But for the cool-headed 18-year-old Shandong native, he converted any nerves into wins and broken records.
Zhang has become one of the shining stars of the National Games in Shenzhen, capturing gold in the men's 400m, 200m and 800m freestyle events — breaking the national youth record in all three.
His rapid rise has positioned him as China's most promising new force in men's mid— and long-distance freestyle, and a major medal hope for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
After winning gold in the men's 800m freestyle on Thursday night, Zhang celebrated by holding up three fingers in the pool — signifying his third individual gold medal of the games.
The pragmatic and humble teenager remained modest afterward, saying that his performance in the pool hadn't improved significantly and that he would need to reflect carefully after the event.
"Like I said on the first day, I never think about what it would mean if I win or don't win. I just want to face everything as a challenger. For me, the most important thing is to do my best and set a good example," Zhang said.
This is Zhang's first appearance at the National Games, and the young athlete hasn't cracked under the pressure of competing against his senior teammates. On the opening day, he stunned the crowd by defeating Sun and Pan in the men's 400m freestyle, winning in 3:42.82 — a new world junior record.
Zhang later admitted that he had not set any expectations for his time before the race.
After the race, three-time Olympic gold winner Sun was generous with his praise for the young swimmer.
"I think Zhang is an excellent athlete. He has a long future ahead of him. I hope he takes every step well and carries the future of China's men's mid— and long-distance freestyle," he said.
Two days later, he repeated the feat in the 200m freestyle, again beating Sun and Pan and clocking 1:44.86, just 0.14 seconds shy of Romanian David Popovici's winning time at the Paris Olympics last year.
After each victory, however, Zhang has displayed a composure far beyond his years. "Once you step off the podium, everything starts again from zero," he said after the race.
Despite the soaring expectations, Zhang has remained firmly on the ground. "There are still many top swimmers in this event. I'm very satisfied with my performance today. The key is to stay calm.
"Just because you swim a good time at a big meet doesn't mean you forget who you are. You have to stay grounded."
He also stressed the value of hard work over talent, saying: "There are many people with more talent than me. You have to give up certain things — give up playtime, give up distractions. Only when you give up can you gain."
Zhang openly calls Paris 100m freestyle gold winner Pan his idol, saying that as a newcomer, he has not yet reached that level and still needs to keep chasing higher goals.
"I'm happy, but there's really nothing to celebrate. Yu Zidi is only 13 and already broke the Asian record. I still need to learn from others. It's the younger generation who will carry the future of mid— and long-distance freestyle," he said.
Ji Xinjie, who won silver in men's 200m freestyle, also spoke highly of Zhang. "I'm really happy to see him achieve such great results. I've always believed he has unlimited potential. For the Chinese swimming team, he is an invaluable asset," he said.
Away from the pool, Zhang remains a cheerful teenager. After winning a gold medal earlier, he playfully grabbed a microphone from State broadcaster China Central Television and began interviewing Ji. "How do you feel?" he asked. As a journalism student at Fudan University, Zhang got a taste of being a reporter ahead of time.
Born in 2007, Zhang began swimming at age 6. With both talent and determination, he quickly made a name for himself. His coach, Lin Yiming, said that at age 6, Zhang represented his district at the Qingdao city games in Shandong and won seven gold medals in individual events.
"This kid is hardworking — really hardworking. He's extremely disciplined and works harder than other children," Lin said. "He's only 18. His golden period will last about 10 more years. I hope he wins an Olympic gold one day."
His athletic roots run deep. Zhang's mother, Ding Lina, was a middle— and long-distance runner for the Shandong track and field team, and his father is also a sports enthusiast. Ding said she sent him to learn swimming years ago simply to improve his health, never expecting it would lead to where he is today.
"I often tell him that as a national athlete, he must go beyond personal ambition and think of the 'big national interest'. He must pursue excellence and win glory for the country. In our family, we understand that every honor is a new starting point," Ding said.
Despite his young age, Zhang is already familiar with the international stage. At the 2024 World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, he teamed up with Ji, Wang Haoyu, and Pan to win gold in both the men's 4X100m and 4X200m freestyle relays.
This August in Singapore, Zhang partnered with Ji, Pan, and Wang Shun to win silver in the men's 4X200m freestyle relay at the World Aquatics Championships.
Zhang's schedule at the National Games is far from over. He is still set to compete in the men's 1500m freestyle, 400m individual medley and 4X100m medley relay. For China's newest swimming prodigy, his moment in the spotlight has only just begun.
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