2016 RIO OLYMPIC GAMES
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Swimming: August 6-13
- Olympic Aquatics Stadium, Barra Olympic Park, Rio de Janeiro
- Prelims – 9:00 a.m/12:00 p.m PST/EST (1:00 p.m local), Finals – 6:00 p.m/9:00 p.m PST/EST (10:00 p.m local)
- SwimSwam previews
- Day 1 Schedule & Results
- Live Stream (NBC)
On day 1 of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Kosuke Hagino made history for Japan in the first medal race of the meet. Heading into the Games, he was the front runner in the men’s 400 IM, and he didn’t disappoint in tonight’s final. Holding off Team USA’s Chase Kalisz, Hagino reached into the wall at 4:06.05 to become the first Japanese swimmer ever to win the event at the Olympics.
The victory over Kalisz also carried significance, as it marked the end of a USA streak in the men’s 400 IM. The USA had won this event at the last 6 Olympics with notable names like Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte, but Hagino broke the streak tonight and holds his place as the 3rd fastest performer of all time.
Earning another medal in the race for Japan alongside him was Daiya Seto, who swam to the wall for bronze in 4:09.71.
Also of note, 2012 Olympic Gold medalist Sun Yang earned a podium finish to secure China’s first medal of the games in the men’s 400 free. Yang had a tight race with Rival Mack Horton that came down to the touch, but fell just short of defending his title in the event. He finished in 3:41.68 to pick up silver.
The Japanese women also broke records today, with Rikako Ikee setting a new Japanese National Record first in the women’s 100 fly and then as a part of Japan’s 400 free relay. Ikee’s record-setting time in the 100 fly was a 57.05, lowering her 57.27 she set in prelims.
Ikee teamed up with Miki Uchida, Misaki Yamaguchi, and Yayoi Matsumoto for the relay, helping the squad to a new Japanese Record of 3:36.74.
Records Broken on Day 1:
- Women’s 100 Fly- Rikako Ikee, 57.05, Japanese National Record
- Women’s 400 Free Relay- Japan (Miki Uchida, Rikako Ikee, Misaki Yamaguchi, Yayoi Matsumoto), 3:36.74, Japanese National Record
- Men’s 400 IM: Kosuke Hagino, 4:06.05, Japanese National Record, Asia Record
Asia Medals Table as of Rio Day 1:
| Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| JPN | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
| CHN | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
And what did Chase go?
Kalisz had a great swim. He was 4:06-range. This article was just about highlights from the Asian swimmers, though. If you go to our full recap, you can read more about Chase’s swim.
The Japs were sensational,silver is all USA could hope for!
Cool but 1 + 1 = 2 (not 1, just saying’)
Jay- Unfortunately I made a typo on the spreadsheet, but I’m happy to say it wasn’t an actual math error. I’ll correct it. Thanks.
Jay- Unfortunately I made a typo on the spreadsheet, but I’m happy to say it wasn’t an actual math error. I’ll correct it. Thanks.
Great stuff from chase to win silver!