Zhang Yufei wins bronze in the 200m butterfly at the Paris Olympics on August 1. Photo: Xinhua

After winning her third medal at the Paris Olympic Games on Thursday, China's female swimmer Zhang Yufei blasted an Australian reporter's question about the legitimacy of male Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle's new world record, saying Pan's success was a result of hard work.

Despite suffering from fever and dysmenorrhea, Zhang clocked in 2 minutes and 5.09 seconds to claim bronze in the 200m butterfly. She also won bronze in the 100m butterfly and 4×100m freestyle relay.

Meanwhile, Yang Junxuan, Li Bingjie, Ge Chutong and Liu Yaxin won another bronze in the women's 200m freestyle relay. 

The 26-year-old said after the final that she was impressed with herself to still be able to compete in such a physical condition. 

"I think this is probably one of the most difficult races I've had at these Olympics. I'm much better now, but when I was swimming my hands were a little bit numb because right now I am on my period and I was also in pain during the race," she told the Xinhua News Agency. 

Zhang has amassed 7 medals in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, becoming the Chinese swimmer with the most Olympic medals. "I hope to use my performance to gain recognition for Chinese athletes, showing that we are not just a flash in the pan but can be as enduring as foreign athletes," she said. 

The Chinese swimming team has won 1 gold, 2 silvers and 4 bronzes in Paris, including Pan's world record breaking victory in the men's 100m freestyle. The team's performance serves as a strong rebuttal to the skepticism and disregard that had clouded the Chinese swimming team in Paris.

Bronze medalist Zhang Yufei of China reacts during the victory ceremony for the women's 100m butterfly of swimming at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, July 28, 2024. Photo:Xinhua

During a press conference, an Australian reporter inquired about Pan's astonishing performance in the men's 100m freestyle, noting that some foreign media found his achievements to be "unbelievable." 

Zhang expressed pride in her teammate's accomplishments and attributed it to the rigorous training and dedication of Chinese athletes, saying that Pan's success was a result of their hard work and should not be viewed with skepticism.

"Pan had consistently swum under 47 seconds prior to achieving his new world record, indicating a stable and continuous improvement rather than a sudden leap in performance. Pan's achievements were legitimate and attained under stringent anti-doping protocols," Zhang noted. 

"Why are Chinese athletes questioned when they achieve fast times, yet no one doubted Michael Phelps when he won seven or eight gold medals? Similarly, Katie Ledecky has dominated long-distance swimming from 2012 to 2024, winning gold in every event, yet no one questioned her performances?" she added. 

Chinese swimmers have undergone frequent doping tests, especially during the week leading up to the Paris Olympics.

Zhang told the Xinhua News Agency earlier that in the two months leading up to the Paris Olympics, every athlete of the Chinese swimming team was tested around 20 to 30 times, averaging three to four tests per person per week.

"Last year, I underwent 29 tests, and not once did I test positive. This year, from May to July, I had 21 tests, and again, not a single positive result," Pan said after his triumph in the 100m freestyle on Wednesday.