Hwang Sun-woo Targeting Sub-1:43 in 200 Freestyle at Asian Games
Korea’s Hwang Sun-woo, one of the premier 200-meter freestylers in the world, has established a lofty goal for the event at next month’s Asian Games in Tokyo. During a media availability on Tuesday, Hwang expressed belief that he can accomplish a feat that only three men in history – Germany’s Paul Biedermann, the United States’ Michael Phelps and Romania’s David Popovici – have achieved.
“If I can break the 1:43 barrier in the 200m freestyle, I believe I can win another gold,” Hwang said.
Hwang is the reigning Asian Games champion in the 200 freestyle, and he holds the Asian record in the event at 1:43.92. But the 23-year-old feels he can be faster, and challenge a barrier that would place him in a special class. Biedermann owns the world record at 1:42.00, while Phelps (1:42.96) and Popovici (1:42.97) follow. Hwang owns three medals in the 200 freestyle from the World Championships, including gold in 2024.
Korea is sending a strong squad to Tokyo, with Hwang complemented on the men’s side by fell freestylers Kim Woo-Min and Ji Yu-chan. Kim will defend his titles in the 400 freestyle and 800 freestyle, and will also compete in the 200 freestyle and 1500 freestyle. He was the bronze medalist in the 400 freestyle at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, clocking a personal best of 3:42.50. Meanwhile, Ji is the Korean record-holder in the 50 freestyle at 21.66.
“With more events to compete in, I hope to win more medals,” Kim said. “In the 400m freestyle, I want to set a new personal best.”
Kim Young-beom will compete in his first Asian Games and is expected to clash with China’s Pan Zhanle, the Olympic champion, in the 100 freestyle. Kim holds the Korean record at 47.39.
Korea formerly held the Asian record in the 800 freestyle relay, behind a 7:01.73 from the last edition of the Asian Games. China lowered the mark to 7:00.91 at the 2025 World Championships, setting up a duel in Tokyo, with the continental record in jeopardy.