In 2022, while working in China, American swimming coach Mark Schubert proposed that Pan switch to the individual medley, reasoning that Chinese swimmers were unlikely to outperform their international counterparts in the 100m freestyle event.

"Because of his verdict, I have persisted in training up to this point," Pan said.

His rapid ascent began at his first long-course competition, the 2022 world championships in Budapest, where, at 17 years old, he equaled the Chinese national record set by the 2015 world champion Ning Zetao with a semifinal swim of 47.65s.

In the men's 4x100m relay during the worlds in Doha in February, Pan amazed the crowded Aspire Dome venue by completing the first leg in a speedy, record-smashing 46.80s effort.

Pan admitted that he feels nervous every time he stands on the starting block.

"I have to focus on calming myself and slowing my heartbeat. I take deep breaths to lower my heart rate," he said.

"Then, right before entering the arena, that's when I try to get my heart pumping a bit faster, to keep my body warm, and I move around to warm up.

"Success relies on what you've accumulated every day. Only if you've prepared enough, can you seize the opportunity."

Before the Paris 2024 Olympics, Pan's daily routine involved starting with breakfast at 7 am, followed by a three-hour training session. During intense training periods, evening sessions were sometimes added, starting at 5:30 pm and ending at 9 pm. After training, he would return for dinner, get a massage and then sleep.