Rising Teen Zhang Zhanshuo Continues to Elelvate Profile on Road to LA28
Much is made about the future of Yu Zidi, and for good reason. The 13-year-old is already a global force in multiple events, and she holds Asian-record holder status in the 200-meter individual medley. But the youngster isn’t alone as a teen sensation for China, thanks to the talent of 18-year-old Zhang Zhanshuo, who was a dominant presence during the recent China Open in Shenzhen.
Over four days of competition, Zhang captured titles in the 200 freestyle, 400 free, 800 free and 1500 free, with the first three events featuring defeats of Germany’s Lukas Maertens. The meet undoubtedly allowed Zhang to put his freestyle range on display, and his performances further confirmed his identity as one of the world’s premier freestylers. Come the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, it won’t be surprising if Zhang is the favorite for gold in at least one event.
All four of Zhang’s marks from the China Open were personal bests, but it was his outing in the 400 freestyle that shined brightest. En route to bettering his previous best by more than a second, Zhang touched the wall in 3:41.55 and moved into a tie with Australian Mack Horton as the 11th-fastest performer in history. Nationally, Zhang now trails only Sun Yang (3:40.14) and Zhang Lin (3:41.35).
Zhang’s appearance at the China Open, which attracted 17 of the world’s premier stars, also included an effort of 1:44.53 in the 200 freestyle, 7:44.45 in the 800 freestyle and 14:51.93 in the 1500 free. The fact that Zhang produced those types of swims at this point in the season bodes well for what he might do at the Asian Games later this year. That competition in Tokyo is China’s target meet for 2026 and an opportunity for Zhang to further exhibit his ability.
Although his profile has grown considerably in the past year, Zhang is no stranger to the worldwide scene. He helped China to the silver medal in the 800 freestyle relay at last year’s World Championships, and was a contributor to a pair of medal-winning relays at the 2024 World Champs. More, he medaled in five events at the 2023 World Junior Champs, including silver in the 400 individual medley and bronze in the 800 freestyle and 1500 freestyle.
Not since Sun Yang, who has twice been suspended for doping violations, has China boasted one of the world’s top distance freestylers. Zhang seems to be the guy to fill the void.