Download
While most Chinese Olympic champions train at unfathomably high levels, Ye Shiwen is a little more fortunate.
The new women's 400 individual medley world record holder stole the limelight on Saturday with a time of 4 min 28.43 sec. And, by the way, she's only 16 years old.
As quiet as any other high school girl, how is it possible Ye has already achieved so much? Is she another product of China's State-run factory?
The international media has been asking that same question. Time Magazine and the (London) Guardian just unveiled stories highlighting some of the Chinese athletes' long road to London.
"I am not a robot. I am a lucky girl. I don't need to practice over and over every day," Ye said at a news conference.
According to Time, 30 members of the Chinese weightlifting squad have to repeat their routines six days a week in a pungent gym filled with sweat and chalk as they prepare for the Games.
Most of the lifters resemble workers in a factory, with little passion for their sport.
British diving star Thomas Daley recently told the Guardian that his Chinese rival Qiu Bo performs as flawlessly as a robot on a conveyor belt from the medal machine.
His remarks prompted curiosity about China's traditional means of cultivating athletes, as well as the system's tough requirements in practice.
Some though, like Ye, don't consider it too difficult.
"My training program is intense but scientifically arranged as well. I don't need to spend long hours in the pool every day, and it's not overly demanding for me," said Ye, who was sent to Australia twice for advanced training before the Games.
The same question was posed to young shooter Yi Siling, who claimed the Games' first gold medal in the women's 10m air rifle on Saturday.
"I spent a lot of time with the team, but I actually practice two hours every day - not as much as people might think," she said of her reported six-hour daily drills.
Still, hard work is part of the deal.
Ye hailed Sun's 400m free gold as a major milestone for Chinese swimming, but was just as impressed by his work ethic.
Sun also attributed his success to a lot of sweat.
"All the hard work in the past two years finally paid off, so I am too excited (to contain my emotions)," Sun said while weeping in the mixed zone.
Ye says she's not done yet. Although she's already broken the 400 IM world record, Ye Shiwen thinks she can still do better.
"I feel like I still have room to improve my stroke," Ye said. "I've strengthened my backstroke and butterfly, so I am getting better at the start. But I am still young and have some more potential in my body."
Given that the event is usually a lead-up to her favorite event - the 200 IM - her future does indeed appear bright.
Ye's current time of 4 min 28.43 sec is nearly seven seconds faster than she clocked at last year's world championships, where she won the 200m title.
"I dreamed of winning the gold medal, but I never ever expected to break the record. So I am overwhelmed," she said.
About the broadcaster:
Rosie Tuck is a copy editor at the China Daily website. She was born in New Zealand and graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Communications studies majoring in journalism and television. In New Zealand she was working as a junior reporter for the New Zealand state broadcaster TVNZ. She is in Beijing on an Asia New Zealand Foundation grant, working as a journalist in the English news department at the China Daily website.
俄政府解除对调查记者的软禁
国际英语资讯:No U.S.-UK trade deal if Good Friday Agreement undermined after Brexit: U.S. politician
国际英语资讯:Death toll of Libyas Tripoli clashes rises to 189: WHO
国内英语资讯:Senior CPC official stresses harmony, stability in religious affairs
国内英语资讯:China firmly opposes U.S. remarks on ordinance amendments: spokesperson
国际英语资讯:Jury selection completed for Chinese scholar slaying trial
国内英语资讯:Commentary: U.S. arms sales to Taiwan a dangerous move to aggravate cross-Strait situation
多久洗一次头发最好?
国内英语资讯:Xi calls for greater efforts to win battle against poverty on time
国际英语资讯:Spotlight: Syrian refugees face rising resentment in post-election Turkey
国内英语资讯:U.S. trade bullying a wrong move to reduce deficit
为什么人越长大时间过得越快?新研究说这不是幻觉
国内英语资讯:China to promote scientist spirit of new era
国内英语资讯:Chinese envoy calls for open economy, refined global economic governance
Should Students Have Homework in Summer Vacation 暑假该有作业吗
国内英语资讯:Chinas top legislature launches media activity to promote Yangtze River protection
聊聊别人为你做过最暖心的事
国际英语资讯:News Analysis: Trumps veto proves U.S. main role in prolonging Yemens war
国际英语资讯:Russian Black Sea Fleet holds drills parallel to NATO exercises
Foreigners Stereotype of China 外国人对中国的刻板印象
国际英语资讯:Iran plans to reform currency by deleting 4 zeros from monetary unit
老板的小小举动温暖了我的心
体坛英语资讯:Chinese center Han Xu selected by New York Liberty in WNBA draft 2019
国内英语资讯:China to further enhance ties with Dominican Republic: top legislator
减少财务焦虑的五种方法
国际英语资讯:At least 28 killed in bus accident on Portuguese island
国内英语资讯:Commentary: China proves socialism best way to eradicate poverty
Uber上市后首次公布盈利状况,股价暴跌
国际英语资讯:News Analysis: Nigerians yearn for harmonious executive-legislative relationship as new parl
国际英语资讯:Chinese UN envoy calls for eliminating root causes of armed conflict
不限 |
英语教案 |
英语课件 |
英语试题 |
不限 |
不限 |
上册 |
下册 |
不限 |