163 Slip Of The Tongue

The moment he saw the results, Tang Yan slowed his fierce panting and exclaimed in excitement, punching the water.

In the face of many world-class freestyle masters, he could still clinch third even with a disadvantage, which was already the limit he could currently achieve.

"This is a historical moment that belongs to Chinese swimming. This is a historical moment that belongs to Asian swimming. The boys of the Chinese team have proved with their strength what Asia can do!" The on-site commentator excitedly rambled.

The audience all stood up and looked at the pool with great excitement, applause and whistles were heard one after another.

In countless corners of China, families watching the race were all shouting in excitement. The kind of honor belonging to the nation made everyone proud.

"You're an incredible swimmer, I look forward to confronting you later." Phelps swam over at this time and said to Tang Yan.

"Thank you, I look forward to it." Tang Yan said politely.

Although Phelps mainly swarm the butterfly stroke, he did take part in some freestyle events like this relay and the 200m event which was scheduled for the fifth match day.

"Congratulations!"

At this time, France's Fabien Gilot also came over to congratulate him.

The group of swimmers all then climbed up from the pool.

After they came to shore, they received warm cheers and applause from the audience.

Eamon Sullivan and the rest of the Australian team received a loud round of applause for their win.

Whilst Tang Yan, who went from fifth to third, had become an undisputed hero for the Chinese fans.

After they got to the starting point, Sun Yang, who had been waiting by, came up to give Tang Yan a hug. Their efforts were obvious to all, but the existence of Tang Yan directly transformed their efforts into the fruits of victory.

The bronze medal would definitely be among the headlines of tomorrow's news reel.

Enjoying the cheers from the audience and teasing each other with the women's team members, Tang Yan and his teammates took a shower and went to change their clothes, then they got ready to  participate in the award ceremony.

.....

The awards ceremony hadn't begun yet and chants one after another filled the scene.

When the award ceremony began, when Tang Yan, Sun Yang, Lu Zhibin, and Ning Zetao stood on the podium, there was a deafening cheer.

The bronze medal was awarded to them by Huang Yiwen, the vice chairman of FINA and the chairman of the Asia-Pacific region. He was very excited when he presented the medals, it looked like this result had shocked even someone at his level.

When receiving the medal, Tang Yan unconsciously looked around to see if the beauty Sun Yang had pointed out last time was there.

Not seeing her, he was a little disappointed, not sure why, he felt like she looked familiar.

At the end of the awards ceremony, the four held up the medals, which attracted the audience to scream and cheer again.

On the first day of the World Championships, one gold and one bronze medal was harvested. This was definitely a satisfactory answer for both the audience and the government hosting the expensive competition.

"Tang Yan has led the Chinese swimming team to create Asian history and won bronze by leveraging his 100 meters!"

...

The news was published among the headlines of major websites by the media stations.

Under the surge of news, the comments were overwhelming, as the netizens went to vent their inner pride.

Tang Yan's Weibo following rose sharply from 600,000 to 700,000.

Even if it was just a news report, it attracted countless comments from netizens.

"Tang Yan is actually to Op. I bet in the 100 meters freestyle in two days. He will definitely surprise us again!"

"Who is Tang Yan? Here, there is only the One Punch Killer!

"One Punch Killer more like Asia's Green Arrow!"

"Well, I just wanna say, boxers who can't swim aren't good archers."

...

Tang Yan's name began trending on Weibo.

The World Championships was different from the National Championships. There was press conferences after each race. Tang Yan and his teammates appeared at the press conference together.

At the press conference, swimmers from other countries expressed their congratulations for the outstanding performance of Tang Yan and the Chinese team. The atmosphere of the entire press conference was quite harmonious.

Tang Yan also showed his mature side, responding to reporters 'questions one by one, his calm and polite demeanor attracted the favor of many media stations.

After the press conference, Tang Yan and Sun Yang left the conference site with cheers and laughter. Although it was impossible to go out to eat and drink, they still enjoyed their medal.

The swimmers from the other countries at the conference site had already left, leaving only the Australian team who had an exclusive interview with an Australian station.

"Hello, James, Matthew, Eamon, Matthew hahaha. Thank you for accepting our interview. How do you feel after your win?"

"Of course, we are proud to have grabbed gold." James Magnussen replied with a smile.

"Yeah, it was a hell of a run with, Michael on my ass (referring to Phelps). Fortunately, I didn't disappoint." Eamon Sullivan echoed.

"The most surprising thing today is the Chinese team. Managing to clinch bronze right at the end after a fierce battle for third, Tang Yan their last swimmer looked like he was even gaining ever so slightly on Phelps. A lot of Chinese swimmers have been rising through the ranks lately, what do you think of the emergence of China as a competitive swimming nation?"

Matthew Abood - "Well more competition is always welcomed, it keeps the sport interesting."

Matthew Targett - "Yeah as long it's fair competition its always welcomed."

Reporter - "Speaking of fair competition what are your thoughts on the Brazilian swimmer Cesar Cielo, who managed to avoid a doping ban, getting the green light to compete."

"Well let's just say there's not many happy people around but the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) has already announced it decision so there's not much to be done but move on and compete normally." Abood said with a hint of derision.

"Heck maybe that's why everyone's suddenly 'improving'" Magnussen murmured snidely.

"Oh, you think the Chinese team are doping?" Catching his comment, the reporter pounced sensing the chance for a more interesting headline.

"What, no, I didn't say that....I..." Magnussen stammered.

"He meant that the organizing committee could strengthen drug testing across the board. So there's no doubts or claims of unfairness from other countries." Sullivan swiftly interrupted.