‘He Deserves that Gold Medal’

Questions around the Chinese swimming program rose in volume Wednesday night after Pan Zhanle annihilated the world record in the men's 100 freestyle in the final of the Paris Olympics. To the people closest to that feat, though, the answers are clear.

Both silver medalist Kyle Chalmers and bronze-winner David Popovici responded to queries about the integrity of Pan's gold-winning 46.40 by saying they believe the swim was done fairly.

"I do everything I possibly can to win the race," Chalmers said. "And I trust that everyone's doing the same as I am and staying true to sport and the ...