Zhuang Yong

Zhuang Yong stands out as a pioneer of Chinese swimming. In 1988, she became the first Chinese swimmer to win an Olympic medal, winning silver in the 100 m freestyle. Three years later, she became the first Chinese swimmer to win a world title (50 m freestyle), and at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, she was also the first Chinese swimmer to become Olympic champion - now again in the 100 m freestyle event. It was the last major tournament in her career, at which she also won two silvers (50 m and 4 x 100 m freestyle). A four-fold Asian Games champion in 1990, Zhuang Yong retired in 1993. She was briefly married to former basketball player Liu Yong. They divorced a few years later, and remarried to fellow swimmer and Asian Games champoin Shen Jianqiang.