Pan Zhanle secured the Swimming World Pacific Rim Male Swimmer of the Year award after a dominant performance in the 100-meter freestyle.
He set a world record in the event at the Olympic Games with a time of 46.40.
What led to his success?
Pan's path to the Olympic Games included competing at the World Championships in Doha, where he won gold in the 100 freestyle with a time of 47.53.
He also led off the Chinese 400 freestyle relay team with a world record time of 46.80.
How did he perform at the Olympic Games?
Pan initially had a sluggish preliminary swim, tying for 13th, but surged to the top seed in the semifinals.
He then bolted to the front of the field in the final, splitting 22.28 for his outgoing lap and coming home in 24.12.
What does this mean for Pan Zhanle?
Pan's dominance earned him the Swimming World Pacific Rim Male Swimmer of the Year award, making him the second straight Chinese athlete to capture the award.
He is the fourth man from China to earn the accolade.
Pan also claimed gold in the 400 medley relay and silver in the mixed 400 medley relay at the Olympic Games.
He finished the year with a best of 21.99 in the 50 freestyle, 1:45.68 in the 200 free, and 3:45.58 in the 400 free.
Pan's performance was highlighted by a generational display in the 100-meter freestyle final.
He shaved .40 off his previous world record, accounting for the largest world-record drop in the event since 1976.
Pan's gold medal win in the 100-meter freestyle was by 1.08 seconds over silver medalist Kyle Chalmers.