Li's potential was on display during her anchor leg in the relay as she held off a strong charge from five-time Olympic champion Katie Ledecky of the US with powerful strokes to secure the win for China.

Li, who now trails 400m free winner Ariarne Titmus of Australia and Ledecky as the world's third fastest swimmer in the event, has age on her side to improve and spring more surprises at Paris 2024.

"I still see room for improvement from my Tokyo swim, just as I do every time," said Li, who swam to international prominence at the 2017 world championships by winning 800m free silver and 400m free bronze. "Anything can happen should I keep pushing myself to the next level."

The solid performances of young talents in some of China's strength sports have convinced fans that the country's dominance is safe and secure.

Following back-to-back golds by Yang Qian in the women's 10m air rifle and mixed team event, the Chinese shooting squad witnessed the rise of two more prodigies－men's 10m air rifle silver medalist Sheng Lihao and markswoman Jiang Ranxin, who teamed with veteran Pang Wei to win gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team final.