Asia: Hagino Wins First Ever 400 IM Gold for Japan to Break USA Streak

2016 RIO OLYMPIC GAMES

On day 1 of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Kosuke Hagino made history for Japan in the first medal race of the meet. Heading into the Games, he was the front runner in the men’s 400 IM, and he didn’t disappoint in tonight’s final. Holding off Team USA’s Chase Kalisz, Hagino reached into the wall at 4:06.05 to become the first Japanese swimmer ever to win the event at the Olympics.

The victory over Kalisz also carried significance, as it marked the end of a USA streak in the men’s 400 IM. The USA had won this event at the last 6 Olympics with notable names like Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, but Hagino broke the streak tonight and holds his place as the 3rd fastest performer of all time.

Earning another medal in the race for Japan alongside him was Daiya Seto, who swam to the wall for bronze in 4:09.71.

Also of note, 2012 Olympic Gold medalist Sun Yang earned a podium finish to secure China’s first medal of the games in the men’s 400 free. Yang had a tight race with Rival Mack Horton that came down to the touch, but fell just short of defending his title in the event. He finished in 3:41.68 to pick up silver.

The Japanese women also broke records today, with Rikako Ikee setting a new Japanese National Record first in the women’s 100 fly and then as a part of Japan’s 400 free relay. Ikee’s record-setting time in the 100 fly was a 57.05, lowering her 57.27 she set in prelims.

Ikee teamed up with Miki Uchida, Misaki Yamaguchi, and Yayoi Matsumoto for the relay, helping the squad to a new Japanese Record of 3:36.74.

Records Broken on Day 1:

Asia Medals Table as of Rio Day 1:

Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
JPN 1 0 1 2
CHN 0 1 0 1

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SwimmerFoxJet
7 years ago

And what did Chase go?

Lauren Neidigh
Reply to  SwimmerFoxJet
7 years ago

Kalisz had a great swim. He was 4:06-range. This article was just about highlights from the Asian swimmers, though. If you go to our full recap, you can read more about Chase’s swim.

godzilla
7 years ago

The Japs were sensational,silver is all USA could hope for!

jay ryan
7 years ago

Cool but 1 + 1 = 2 (not 1, just saying’)

godzilla
7 years ago

Great stuff from chase to win silver!

About Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh

Lauren Neidigh is a former NCAA swimmer at the University of Arizona (2013-2015) and the University of Florida (2011-2013). While her college swimming career left a bit to be desired, her Snapchat chin selfies and hot takes on Twitter do not disappoint. She's also a high school graduate of The …

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