Teen swimmer makes history by winning seven gold medals in single Asian Games

China's Zhang Zhanshuo celebrates after winning gold medal in Men's 400m. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Towering teenager Zhang Zhanshuo became the first swimmer in history to win seven golds at a single Asian Games on Friday.

China’s Zhang, 19, scorched to the men’s 400m freestyle title in the pool in Tokyo in a Games-record 3min 41.28sec.

He sat on the lane divider after the race and slowly counted off on his fingers all seven gold medals he had won.

Zhang also won individual titles in the 200m, 800m and 1,500m freestyle events, as well as three relays.

He said after wrapping up a scintillating campaign that it had been the “perfect week”.

“I think the most important thing is to stay grounded and focused, because the Asian Games are not my ultimate goal,” said Zhang, who stands 198cm (6ft 6in).

With the Los Angeles Olympics less than two years away, China won 30 of the 42 golds in the pool this week.

Its 13-year-old phenomenon Yu Zidi was the undoubted superstar, taking home three individual golds and all in Games-record times.

Not be outdone, Japan’s 17-year-old Shin Ohashi shattered the men’s 200m breaststroke world record on Thursday.