Pan Zhanle Fires Back at Reporter: “What’s the Problem? Who Says a Freestyle Swimmer Can’t Compete in Butterfly?”

At the 2025 National Swimming Championships, Olympic champion Pan Zhanle delivered an impressive performance in the men’s 50m butterfly semifinals, clocking 23.89 seconds to secure fifth place and a spot in the final — all while setting a new personal best. Known worldwide as a freestyle powerhouse, Pan’s decision to compete in the butterfly at this championship drew immediate attention. But when faced with repetitive, uninspired questions from reporters, the outspoken star didn’t hold back, responding sharply: “What kind of question is that?”

Pan Zhanle stunned the world at the Paris Olympics by winning gold in the men’s 100m freestyle, completing a rare career Grand Slam with Olympic, World Championship, and world record titles. However, in the new Olympic cycle, injuries and a packed schedule of events have taken their toll, causing his form to dip sharply. This year’s World Championships saw him fail to reach the finals — a rare low point in his otherwise glittering career.

Fans and experts alike understand the challenges he’s faced. After an Olympic triumph, the whirlwind of media, sponsors, and public appearances can derail even the most focused athletes. With his natural talent, Pan only needs consistent training, injury recovery, and fewer off-pool distractions to mount a full-scale comeback.

This championship was seen by many as the perfect stage for Pan to return to peak form and erase the disappointment of the Worlds. Instead, he chose an unconventional route, entering both the 50m and 100m butterfly events. For seasoned swimming fans, the intention was clear — to maintain his feel for the water, rebuild rhythm, and avoid pushing himself to the limit just yet, likely saving his true peak for November’s National Games.

Unfortunately, the post-race media sessions didn’t go as smoothly. While early interviews covered standard topics — such as the shoulder kinesiology tape (which Pan assured was nothing serious) and his thoughts on the host city Chengdu’s enthusiastic crowds — the tone shifted as nearly every reporter began asking the same question: “Why swim the butterfly?” After several polite explanations — “Why can’t a freestyle specialist enter the butterfly? It’s good training” — the constant repetition in the noisy mixed zone wore thin. Finally, visibly irritated, Pan cut off another identical question with a terse, “What kind of question is that!” before walking away.

Ever since last year’s Olympics, Pan has earned the online nickname “The Journalist’s Nemesis” for his blunt, no-nonsense responses to poor-quality questions. The reality is that many reporters covering domestic swimming are not specialists — some don’t recognize top athletes or fully understand the rules of the sport. For a competitor as professional and detail-oriented as Pan Zhanle, that lack of knowledge is hard to ignore.