China’s Zhang Yufei won the women’s 200m butterfly title at the Tokyo Games swimming tournament. The 23-year-old Zhang Yufei achieved a time of 2:03.86 minutes, which is a new Olympic record.
For the Chinese swimmer, this is the third medal from Tokyo. She finished second in the 100m butterfly, and also took the title today in the 4x200m freestyle relay.
Zhang Yufei, who has the nickname “butterfly queen”, brought China’s first individual gold medal in a swimming tournament in the Japanese capital. She is part of the new generation of the team.
Two Americans completed the podium. Second, in 1:44 seconds is 19-year-old Regan Smith, and third in 1.79 was Hali Flickinger.
Zhang Yufei, who finished sixth in the Rio 2016 finals, couldn’t stop smiling after receiving her medal on the podium, then rushed to pick up a large Chinese flag that was thrown at her from the stands. Zhang’ achievement gave China its 13th gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
“I don’t know how it happened, but swimming the last 50 meters, I felt the power of China kindle in my heart and felt that I must fight”, said Zhang Yufei. “My eyes became moist. I still remember the excitement that I felt when watching Chinese female swimmer Ye Shiwen win at the 2012 London Olympic Games almost 10 years ago. I’ve been waiting far too long”, added she.
Women’s 200m Butterfly Swimming:
1. Zhang Yufei (China) – 2:03.86 minutes, Olympic record
2. Reagan Smith (USA) – 2:05.30
3. Hali Flickinger (USA) – 2:05.65
