Japanese teen sets world record weeks after COVID-19 recovery

Japanese teenager Shin Ohashi achieved a remarkable milestone at the Asian Games, setting a new world record in the men’s 200m breaststroke just weeks after overcoming COVID-19. The 17-year-old outperformed the previous world record of 2:05.48, which was held by China’s Qin Haiyang, by a comfortable margin in a time of 2:04.83.

Ohashi credited his recovery from COVID-19 for his physical rejuvenation, stating that even though the illness caused some mental anxiety, it also allowed his body to rest and regain strength. "Regarding Covid, after all, there was a part where it created a little anxiety for me mentally," he admitted after his victory. "But, conversely, physically I think it was good that I was able to properly rest my body as a period of recovery."

The world-record performance marked Ohashi's second gold medal at the Games. Earlier, he shared the 100m breaststroke title with China’s Dong Zhihao. Ohashi's talent has been recognized in the swimming community, with French Olympic champion Léon Marchand describing him as a "scary" prospect. He had previously won five gold medals at the World Junior Championships.

This impressive feat adds another chapter to Ohashi's already impressive Asian Games campaign, establishing him as a major name to watch in international swimming. Meanwhile, China's Zhang Zhanshuo, 19, clinched his sixth gold medal of the Games by leading China to victory in the men’s 4x100m freestyle relay.