Pan Zhanle at Asian Games 2026: Profile, Events & Preview
The fastest swimmer in history brings his world record 46.40s to Aichi-Nagoya as the overwhelming favourite in the 100m freestyle.
Who is Pan Zhanle and what is his world record?
Pan Zhanle is a Chinese swimmer who set the 100m freestyle world record of 46.40 seconds at the Paris 2024 Olympics, making him the fastest swimmer in history. Born in 2004, he is expected to dominate the swimming events at Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Swimming
| Full Name | Pan Zhanle |
| Country | 🇨🇳 China |
| Sport | Swimming |
| Asian Games Events | 100m Freestyle, 4×100m Freestyle Relay |
| Date of Birth | 28 August 2004 |
| Personal Best / Record | 46.40s (100m Freestyle — World Record, Paris 2024) |
| Major Titles | World Record Holder (100m Freestyle), World Champion, Olympic Silver Medalist |
| Participation Status | ✅ Confirmed to compete |
About Pan
Pan Zhanle burst onto the world stage at the Paris 2024 Olympics with a breathtaking 46.40-second run in the 100m freestyle final — shattering the world record and claiming the title of the fastest swimmer in history. Born on 28 August 2004, the Zhejiang native had already been making waves on the Chinese national circuit before his Olympic breakthrough. His explosive start, powerful underwater work, and relentless finishing speed make him almost untouchable in short-course freestyle. He represents the pinnacle of Chinese swimming’s ascent and is widely regarded as the most dominant swimmer in the world heading into the 2026 Asian Games.
Asian Games 2026 Preview
Pan Zhanle arrives in Aichi-Nagoya as the undisputed star of the swimming programme. Competing in the 100m freestyle and likely the 4×100m relay, he is the overwhelming gold medal favourite in both events. The key question is whether he can challenge his own world record of 46.40s in a major Asian Games setting. Japanese and South Korean swimmers will provide competition in relay events, but in the individual 100m, Pan is in a class of his own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pan Zhanle competing at Asian Games 2026?
Yes, Pan Zhanle is confirmed to compete at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where he is the heavy favourite in the 100m freestyle swimming event.
What is Pan Zhanle’s world record?
Pan Zhanle set the 100m freestyle world record of 46.40 seconds at the Paris 2024 Olympics, making him the fastest swimmer in history in that event.
How old is Pan Zhanle?
Pan Zhanle was born on 28 August 2004, making him 21 years old at the time of the Asian Games 2026.
