Seven golds on debut: Zhang Zhanshuo makes Asian Games history

Zhang Zhanshuo (R) is congratulated after the men's 1500m freestyle final. (Xinhua/Wu Zhizun)

"Everything is possible. I will stay humble and keep pushing forward," he said.

At 19, Zhang has already matched a record that had stood for more than four decades. He left the Tokyo Aquatics Center with seven gold medals, but also with a clear sense that there was more work to do.

Asked to rate his performance at the Games, Zhang gave himself 85 out of 100. For Zhang, the number seven therefore marks both an achievement and a starting point.

"There are still gaps between me and the world level in some events," he said. "I will turn these gold medals into greater motivation."