Hwang Sun-woo sets new season record in 200-meter freestyle

Hwang Sun-woo swims during the men's 200-meter freestyle at the Gwangju National Swimming Championships at Nambu University International Swimming Pool in Gwangju on Tuesday. [YONHAP]

Swimmer Hwang Sun-woo won the men’s 200-meter freestyle at the Gwangju National Swimming Championships in Gwangju on Tuesday with a time of 1 minute and 44.61 seconds — the fastest time recorded at an official event by any swimmer globally so far this season.

The time Hwang managed was 0.04 seconds faster than the previous season best, recorded by Zhanle Pan of China at the Chinese National Championships last month.

Hwang took the frontrunner position from the start and continued that momentum through the end, surpassing runner-up Lee Ho-joon by 1.58 seconds.

Tuesday’s result is a bright sign for Hwang, who is aiming for a medal in the two upcoming international events — the FINA World Aquatics Championships in July and the Asian Games in September.

“I think I got courage to challenge for a better time at the World Championships after finishing well,” Hwang said after finishing the laps. "Obviously, I've been keeping an eye on Pan because he's been putting up great times.

"Since we'll be battling at the World Championships and also the Asian Games, I've been thinking about him."

Hwang is in good form this season thanks to completing training with Australian coach Richard Scarce earlier this year, who is well-known for his intense approach.

He said his first objective before competing at the Asiad is to break his personal best at the World Championships.

As of press time, Hwang was still set to finish the National Swimming Championships with the 100-meter freestyle.

BY PAIK JI-HWAN [paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr]