Japanese swimmer Shin Ohashi set a new men’s 200 metres breaststroke world record at the Asian Games on Thursday, delivering a time of 2:04.83 that surpassed the previous mark of 2:05.48 held by China’s Qin Haiyang. Ohashi, 17, captured the gold medal in the event held in Aichi-Nagoya, showcasing his emerging talent on the international stage.

Qin, the reigning world champion and former world record holder in the 200m breaststroke, congratulated the young Japanese swimmer following the race. “That was a great performance. I have a lot of respect,” Qin told reporters. “He’s just 17 years old and already had fast times and talent and performances. I think he’s a genius. That’s what he is.” Despite his accolades, Qin did not compete in the 200m breaststroke event at the Asian Games due to a knee injury and fatigue.

The 27-year-old Chinese swimmer, who was part of China’s gold-winning 4x100 metres medley relay team at the Paris Olympics, explained that physical considerations influenced his decision to skip the event. “For now I don’t want to do the 200 because I think with age or physically, just simple things,” he said, suggesting that his focus might be shifting away from the event.

Qin’s absence from the 200m at the Asian Games eliminated the possibility of a direct race against Ohashi at the meet, a scenario that had generated interest among swimming fans. When asked about a potential return to the 200m breaststroke in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Qin remained non-committal, stating, “I have no idea.”

Ohashi’s record-breaking swim at such a young age has drawn widespread attention in the swimming world, and his performance at the Asian Games underscores a shifting competitive landscape in men’s breaststroke. Meanwhile, Qin’s cautious approach to his swimming program reflects the ongoing challenges elite athletes face managing injuries and career longevity.