Tianjin, China (CNN) -- Taiwan-born swimmers Liu Yang and Chen Dong have become the first Chinese swimmers to reach the Olympic podium in swimming at the Rio Olympics. Liu Yang is the first Chinese male swimmer to win gold in the 50-meter freestyle relay at a major international competition. He finished second behind the world-record holder from Brazil, Alex Brandt, and took home silver.
The 21-year-old also set a new personal best in the 400-meter freestyle relay, winning with a time of 4:09.78 seconds. The Chinese were not far off from the world record of 4:08.36 set by the American Mark Spitz in 1990. But they were unable to keep pace with Brandt who clocked a time of 4:09.13.
Brandt was the fastest swimmer at the Rio Olympics, clocking a 4:08.36. But he had to settle for bronze after losing out to Liu Yang in the final heat. Liu Yang said that his training was focused on improving his speed and endurance.
"I've been working hard," he told CNN. "I'm still getting better every day."
Liu Yang's achievement has been widely celebrated across China, as well as around the world. His parents, Lin Chaoqiang and Chen Xiaoyu, both of whom are former athletes, say they are proud of their son's success.
"His talent is recognized all over the world," said Chen Xiaoyu. "He has proven that China can be strong in swimming."