Wang Kuan-hung Wins Gold at Asian Games: 'Most Beautiful Race of My Life,' Overwhelmed by Emotion, Says 'It's Unreal'

"Taiwan's Butterfly King," Wang Kuan-hung, triumphed in the men's 200-meter butterfly final today (25th) at the Asian Games in Nagoya, securing a gold medal. After touching the wall, he erupted with emotion, raising his arms in celebration in the pool. In a post-race interview, he confessed that winning still felt "unreal."

Speaking to reporters from Central News Agency and other media, Wang said, "Honestly, it still feels very unreal. I couldn't sleep yesterday or this afternoon. I was under so much pressure. Finally getting the gold medal—this makes me incredibly happy."

Prior to the event, Wang had been struggling with lower back discomfort. He revealed that he suffered a sudden injury just days before the competition. Medical evaluation confirmed acute tendonitis. "When I heard the diagnosis, I was really nervous. My coach, physical therapist—everyone was anxious and didn't know what to do," he recalled.

Despite the setback, Wang reminded himself to stay calm and treat the injury as a test from fate. "I've prepared for so long—I had to give it my all and go for it. I'm deeply grateful to my coach, physical therapist, and everyone who supported me, constantly giving me confidence and telling me to believe in myself," he said.

Having narrowly missed gold in multiple major competitions before, Wang described this Asian Games victory as the "most beautiful race of my life." He admitted there had always been an invisible barrier during preparation. "At big events, I'd fall just short—again and again. I couldn't perform well and kept finishing second."

He emphasized how grueling daily training had been, admitting he'd even considered quitting several times. "Swimmers know—butterfly is extremely tough, and you're alone out there. At such high-stakes events, all the pressure, atmosphere, and emotions weigh entirely on you."

Wang also acknowledged he isn't someone who easily expresses emotions, and had long suppressed stress. "After today's race, everything was finally released," he said.

The presence of family, coaches, teammates, and fans at the venue gave him a sense of being at home. "All the people who support me, love me, and care about me were here. During the race, I just went all-in—didn't overthink, didn't hesitate. I raced with pure courage and determination."

Wang led the race from start to finish but joked that he was "almost swimming with my eyes closed," fully focused on executing his own rhythm. After morning prelims, his coach told him he had a real chance in the final—if he stayed focused on himself and managed his pace.

"My coach told me, 'Just focus on your own lane,'" Wang recalled. Once in the water, he pushed forward relentlessly, only realizing he was in the lead at the 150-meter mark. "From there, I just gritted my teeth and powered through to the end."

As Wang continues to rewrite Taiwan's men's swimming records at the Asian Games, he hopes to pass on his experience to younger athletes. "I want them to know it's not impossible—they need to believe in themselves."

Although his injury prevented him from competing in relay events, he remains hopeful that Taiwanese athletes will continue striving together in both individual and relay races to elevate the entire team.

When asked about his next goal, Wang laughed and said he hasn't thought that far yet. "For now, I just want to relax properly."

As for what he wants to do most after winning gold, he first rubbed his back, joking, "My back's a bit sore," then revealed his plan: "I want to go eat some wagyu beef—to celebrate this hard-earned gold medal."