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Ira Gorawara

An Australian swimming commentator and coach has said Pan Zhanle’s record-breaking victory in the Olympic 100-metre freestyle was “not humanly possible”.
The Chinese superstar’s win in 46.40 seconds sparked celebrations back in China, but has been met with suspicion by his rivals.
Australia’s Kyle Chalmers posted a time of 47.48, more than a second adrift of Pan, and commentator and coach Brett Hawke, who is not a member of the country’s Olympic set-up, expressed disbelief at the commanding manner of the victory on his Instagram page.
“That swim was not real life. Not in that pool, not against that field,” he wrote in the caption.
Hawke’s comments come on the back of recent controversies surrounding the Chinese swimming team.












View this post on Instagram























A post shared by Brett Hawke (@hawkebr)



Earlier this year, it was revealed 23 Chinese swimmers tested positive for the banned substance trimetazidine (TMZ) ahead of the Tokyo Games, and despite the World Anti-Doping Association (Wada) being aware of the failed tests, they were allowed to compete. The US suggested Wada was withholding information.
Hawke’s criticism came alongside Pan’s claim that Chalmers had snubbed his offer of a handshake after the race.
However, the Australian swimmer said afterwards that he believed there was no foul play in the 19-year-old’s victory.
“I do everything I possibly can to win the race, and I trust that everyone’s doing the same as I am and staying true to the integrity of sport,” Chalmers said. “I trust it, I trust that he’s done everything he possibly can to be there and he deserves that gold medal.”
There was a polarising response online to Hawke’s claims, with many suggesting they were out of order.
“Are you serious? It’s disrespectful to accuse someone of something they’ve been and are being tested on. It seems like you Australians, Americans and some Europeans are a bit prejudiced when it’s not you who do the extraordinary,” one comment with more than 100 likes said.

“We all even laughed at the number of times they were tested - like 200 times and they all came back negative. Acknowledge defeat and do not be selective in morality,” another wrote in response to Hawke’s video.
Others suggested that Pan hailing from China influenced Hawke’s thinking.
“If the guy was from the USA, the conversation would be different and you’d be here talking about how phenomenal he is …” another added.
But Hawke found his following, too.
“SAY. IT. LOUDER. And for those saying the team is being repeatedly tested, that means nothing … they have had ZERO consequences for their positive tests over the last 3 years that have been hidden. Why would that change now?” one wrote.


Hawke, who is based in the United States and claims to be one of the world’s best swim coaches, hosted a live telecast of the race, co-hosting with four other swimming experts and aficionados.
Before the race began, the commentator said he believed Chalmers would win, while the rest backed America’s Jack Alexey, who ultimately finished seventh.
After the race concluded, one that seemed to be billed the “most dominant 100m freestyle in Olympic history”, Hawke was rendered speechless for minutes.
“That was wild … when you put a second on a field like that, you can’t help but have questions, like I just can’t help it,” he said. “Especially with the history and everything that’s going on. You put a full second on a field like that? I mean, I have questions. It’s too much.”


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Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Pan Zhanle’s Olympic gold medal win ‘not humanly possible’, Australian coach says

China’s Pan Zhanle (centre) won the gold medal in the 100m freestyle but the coach of Australia’s Kyle Chalmers (left) expressed suspicion. Photo: Reuters

Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle stormed to victory in record-breaking fashion in the 100-metre freestyle. Photo: Reuters

Pan Zhanle slams ‘disrespectful’ rivals, while Chinese fans lash out at ‘arrogant Westerners’

China’s Pan Zhanle said his handshake attempt (left) was snubbed by Australian rival Kyle Chalmers.

Gold medallist Pan Zhanle (centre) on the podium with Australia’s Kyle Chalmers (left), who won silver, and Romania’s David Popovici. Photo: Reuters

While you were sleeping: 5 things to know after Pan gold, Haughey bronze at Paris Olympics

China’s Pan Zhanle raises a fist after breaking the world record on his way to gold. Photo: AFP

Winner Sarah Sjostrom (centre) is applauded on to the podium by Siobhan Haughey (right). Photo: AP

Rafael Nadal (left) and Carlos Alcaraz manage a smile despite their doubles quarter-final loss. Photo: AFP

Tse Ying-suet takes a tumble as she and Tang Chun-man crashed out of the Games. Photo: AFP

Pan Zhanle of China displays his medal during the ceremony for the men’s 100m freestyle. Photo: Xinhua

Paris Olympics day 5: Siobhan Haughey takes bronze in 100m freestyle – as it happened

Gold medallist Sarah Sjostrom (centre), is flanked by silver medallist Torri Huske (left) and bronze medallist Siobhan Haughey after the women’s 100m freestyle final. Photo: Getty Images

‘Fangirl moment’: China’s top divers star-struck as Eileen Gu gatecrashes Paris Olympics

Skier Eileen Gu dropping in to surprise the Chinese diving team at the Paris Olympics. Photo: Reuters

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Simone Biles become the most decorated gymnast  in Olympics history with her most-recent gold medal win. Photo: AP

Former Team USA gymnast MyKayla Skinner blocked Simone Biles after poking criticism at Biles’ team. Photo: Jordan Chiles 

Sport

Paris Olympics 2024

Aquatics

China

The Buzz

The Chinese superstar’s 46.4-second victory ignited celebrations back in China, but has been met with suspicion by his rivals


The Chinese superstar’s 46.4-second victory ignited celebrations back in China, but has been met with suspicion by his rivals.
