Li Bingjie Shines at Asian Games 2026 with Five Gold Medals
Chinese swimming sensation Li Bingjie captured attention not only for her remarkable performance but also for showcasing her five gold medals after winning the women's 800m freestyle at the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya on September 25.
Li secured her fifth gold in the women's 800m freestyle with a time of 8:24.02. Singapore's Gan Ching Hwee earned the silver medal, setting a national record of 8:26.25, while Japan's Ichika Kajimoto took home the bronze with a time of 8:27.37.
Li's impressive achievements spanned five events, including the 1500m, 800m, and 400m freestyles, as well as the women's 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.
Li Bingjie’s Playful Celebration Goes Viral
During the medal ceremony for the women's 800m freestyle, Li Bingjie not only showcased her swimming prowess but also her playful spirit, which quickly went viral.
In a widely shared video, Li was seen walking ahead of bronze medalist Ichika Kajimoto, who was proudly displaying her medal. However, Li casually reached into her sports suit pockets and revealed her four previously won gold medals, leaving Kajimoto visibly surprised by the lighthearted display.
Li Bingjie’s Asian Games Journey
This edition of the Asian Games marks Li Bingjie’s third appearance. In her first outing at the 2018 Jakarta Games, she won five medals, including two golds and three silvers. At the 2023 Hangzhou Games, she excelled with six medals, five of which were gold.
Overall, Li has amassed a total of 16 medals across three Asian Games, comprising 12 golds and 4 silvers, solidifying her status as one of China's most accomplished swimmers in this prestigious event.
China's Dominance at the Asian Games 2026
China has consistently been a dominant force in the Asian Games, and the current edition in Aichi-Nagoya is no exception. The Chinese team has excelled across various sports, particularly in swimming and other medal-rich events.
As of Day 11, China leads the medal tally with a total of 254 medals, which includes 143 gold, 62 silver, and 51 bronze. The swimming team has been particularly successful, securing 54 medals, with 30 of them being gold, followed by athletics and diving with 39 and 12 medals, respectively.
In the previous Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China achieved a historic feat, finishing with 201 gold, 111 silver, and 71 bronze medals, totaling 383 podium finishes.
With several events still to conclude, China is poised to increase its medal count further.