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Gan Ching Hwee won the women's 800m freestyle silver in a national record of 8min 26.25sec at the Asian Games on 25 Sep. Photo: SpexSG/ Andy Chua
Gan Ching Hwee won her third medal in as many individual events at the 2026 Asian Games on 25 Sep, finishing second in the women’s 800m freestyle in a national record of 8min 26.25sec on the final day of the swimming competition.
The 23-year-old had also set national records en route to taking silver in the 1500m freestyle and 400m freestyle events earlier this week, with her 800m freestyle split of 8:29.56 during the 1500m freestyle final also being a new national mark.
Gan, the four-time SEA Games champion in the 800m freestyle, said: “These Asian Games have been something that is just so special to me. This last race, I just gave it all I had and left it all in the pool. It was the most painful race by far because of the accumulated fatigue, but I’m so glad I managed to do it again.”
She had led for most of the race, holding off defending champion Li Bingjie before the Chinese turned on the afterburners in the last 100m to surge ahead and take gold in 8:24.02. Japan’s Ichika Kajimoto was third in 8:27.37s.
Gan Ching Hwee concludes her Asian Games 2026 outing with three silver medals. Photo: SpexSG/ Andy Chua
“I could definitely see the entire field because of the lane that I was in; it gave me a good view down the pool on the even laps and I just worked through from there and tried to stay as close to (Li) as I could,” said Gan, who swam in Lane 2 at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.
“Never in my last few Asian Games campaigns did I think I could even touch a silver medal. The goal, which felt quite out of reach, was a bronze at max, to stand on the podium. To just surpass my own expectations, it’s been quite a journey.”
The 20th Asian Games are held in Japan from 19 September to 4 October 2026. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.
