▲World and Olympic champion Zhang Yufei powers down her lane en route to finishing first in her women's 50m butterfly semifinal at the FISU World University Games in Chengdu on Tuesday. ZHANG WEI/CHINA DAILY
Not a bad way to make your debut at the games."Usually, we compete as professional athletes, but this time, we are all university athletes, and what's more, we are competing in Chengdu. Being here has filled us with immense joy and excitement," said Zhang, a Southeast University student.Shortly after Erin Paige Gallagher of South Africa broke the women's 50m butterfly FISU record in the semifinals, Zhang surpassed it by a huge 0.43 seconds.▲ From left: Luo Youyang, Zhang Yufei, Liu Yaxin and Li Bingjie pose with their medals after winning the women's 4x100m freestyle relay at the FISU World University Games in Chengdu on Tuesday. ZHANG WEI/CHINA DAILYWith an impressive time of 3:37.51, they not only shattered the FISU record but also secured the first gold medal for the Chinese swimming team at the Chengdu games. Italy came second (3:38.81), with Japan third (3:41.83).With two golds, one silver and two bronze at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Zhang signed up for nine events at the Chengdu games, comprising four individual events and five relays, a testament to her phenomenal ambition and stamina.She said she was treating the Chengdu games as an opportunity to practice as she aims to improve the record she set at the worlds at next month's Hangzhou Asian Games.A huge panda fan, it was no surprise to see Zhang proudly displaying panda-themed accessories on her clothes as she emerged from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport on Tuesday morning.During the morning heats, she donned a swim cap adorned with panda elements. Later, in the evening's 50m butterfly semifinals, she wore a swimsuit inspired by Chengdu's adorable real-life giant panda Hua Hua.
