Park takes Gold, and sets Asian Record
Updated: 2008-08-10 11:48:49
Park, Zhang and Jensen on the podium. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
Park Tae-hwan celebrates his win. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
(BEIJING, August 10) -- Park Tae-hwan of the Republic of Korea established himself as a star in the pool at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Sunday by winning the Men&#-9;s 400m Freestyle in 3:41.86 at the National Aquatics Center.
Park, the 2007 world champion, now adds the Olympic title to his name after beating China&#-9;s Zhang Lin, who came home fast to touch second and won the silver medal in a time of 3:42.44.
Park was referred to as a future star after his world championship win in 2007 and confirmed his arrival on the international stage with a strong performance and Asian Record on Sunday.
Grant Hackett of Australia led the field out at a world record pace, but soon fell off when Park turned on the speed. Park took over from Hackett at the 200m turn and was never headed, despite a strong challenge from Zhang - who had the home crowd behind him.
Zhang Lin waves to audience. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
In the final 50 meters Zhang did look capable of pulling off a stunning upset to establish himself as a home-town hero. He pulled forward to Park&#-9;s shoulder, but Park saw off the challenge.
Larsen Jensen (USA), who qualified fastest for the final, also finished strongly to take the bronze medal in a time of 3:42.78.
Jensen only just held off a very fast finish from his USA teammate Peter Vanderkaay who came in fourth with a time of 3:43.11.
Athens Olympic Games silver medalist Hackett had been touted as a gold medal favorite in the 400m Freestyle but tired, and finished sixth.
