Seventeen-year-old Japanese swimmer cuts 0.65 seconds off global breaststroke mark

Japanese swimmer Shin Ohashi broke the men’s 200m breaststroke world record on Thursday, 24 September, to secure the gold medal at the Asian Games in Tokyo. The 17-year-old clocked a time of 2:04.83, shaving 0.65 seconds off the previous global benchmark. New benchmark established Ohashi’s performance eclipsed the record of 2:05.48, which had been held by China’s Qin Haiyang since July 2023. The victory in Tokyo marks Ohashi's second gold medal of the week, following his earlier win in the 100m breaststroke where he finished in a dead heat with China’s Dong Zhihao. The teenager maintained control from the start of the race, eventually finishing 3.84 seconds ahead of silver medallist Denis Petrashov of Kyrgyzstan. Former record holder Qin Haiyang did not compete in the 200m event at this year's Games. Olympic aspirations Following the record-breaking swim, Ohashi confirmed his intention to target the World Championships next year and the Los Angeles 2026 Olympic Games. "My target has always been to break the world record and I'm so happy to have done it," Ohashi said. "I don't want to be satisfied and I want to feel these emotions again." The result establishes Ohashi as a primary contender for the upcoming Olympic cycle. His victory on Thursday, 24 September, was the centerpiece of the evening session in Tokyo, where the Japanese team has seen significant success in the pool. The Asian Games continue throughout the week with several swimming finals remaining on the schedule.