By Jiasen Zheng '27
On July 28, 2023, the Fukuoka World Aquatics Championships witnessed the birth of a new world record, and at its epicenter was the phenomenal Chinese swimmer, Qin Haiyang. With an astonishing time of 2:05:48 in the 200-meter breaststroke, Qin not only shattered the existing record but also secured the gold medal, achieving a remarkable feat in the realm of aquatic sports. This triumph marked not only a historic moment for Qin himself but also a significant milestone for China, putting an end to a 66-year-long wait.
Photo by Guduru Ajay bhargav from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-swimming-on-body-of-water-863988/
China, often regarded as the "uncrowned king" of breaststroke, has a rich history of talented swimmers who consistently pushed the boundaries of the 100-meter breaststroke record. However, due to measurement unit limitations in the late 1950s, China's earlier achievements in breaststroke went unrecognized on the global stage. It wasn't until the 1982 New Delhi Asian Games that He Run Chen's 1:05:93 secured the first international breaststroke medal for the Chinese national swim team, setting a new Asian record.
Despite this breakthrough, Chinese swimming experienced a prolonged period of stagnation, especially in breaststroke, impacting their performance in mixed medley relays and often keeping them off the podium. The arrival of Qin Haiyang, however, marked a turning point for Team China. His exceptional performance not only brought attention to his prowess but also revitalized China's presence in international swimming competitions.
Before Qin Haiyang's meteoric rise to prominence in Fukuoka, the world was unfamiliar with his story. Let us delve into the past to uncover the narrative of this "new breaststroke king" and appreciate the journey that led to his record-breaking victory. The official Twitter account of the FINA celebrated Qin with bold captions, rightfully dubbing him the "king of breaststroke," encapsulating the significance of this monumental achievement in the world of aquatic sports.
On May 17, 1995, in the picturesque province of Hunan, China, Qin Haiyang came into the world. Little did anyone know that this seemingly ordinary day would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey in the realm of swimming. At the tender age of five, Qin's mother, in an attempt to channel his abundant energy, introduced him to the waters of a local swimming pool. Little did she realize that this seemingly simple decision would set in motion a series of events that would leave an indelible mark on the future of aquatic sports.
In that moment, Qin forged an unbreakable bond with the pool, discovering a profound passion for swimming. His love for the sport was immediate and unmistakable. By the age of nine, Qin's talent had caught the attention of scouts, earning him a coveted spot on the Shanghai Navy swim team. Here, under the guidance of the renowned coach Ye Jing, Qin embarked on a journey of professional training that would shape his destiny.
Coach Ye Jing, recognizing the importance of character in determining success, described Qin as a "slow burner" outside the water. Qin's deliberate and logical approach to life, combined with a steady gait, mirrored his composed demeanor. However, once immersed in the water, Qin transformed into a force of nature—a "dragon" with an innate sense of water, a profound understanding of the sport, and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement.
Coach Ye Jing's insightful observation highlighted Qin's exceptional qualities, emphasizing his down-to-earth nature, unwavering work ethic, and indomitable spirit. Though Qin may appear slow and deliberate on the surface, beneath lies a resolute heart that remains undisturbed by the external world—a rare trait for someone of his young age. Qin Haiyang's journey from the tranquil waters of Hunan to the competitive realm of professional swimming embodies a narrative of passion, perseverance, and a character destined for greatness.
His unwavering persistence and tireless dedication bore fruit in the 2017 World Championships, where Qin Haiyang showcased his undeniable dominance by shattering the world junior record. The following year, in the 2018 Asian Games, he ascended the podium, claiming a silver medal in the short-course world championships. Qin's career seemed to have reached its pinnacle, poised for greatness. However, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics dealt him a cruel blow when he faced disqualification in the 200-meter breaststroke preliminaries, stripping him of the chance to vie for his inaugural Olympic medal.
Facing a career plateau and eager for a resurgence, Qin sought the guidance of a new mentor—Coach Cui Deng Rong. Under Coach Cui's tutelage, Qin underwent a transformative journey towards his peak performance. Coach Cui's training methodology, characterized by a unique approach and an unwavering commitment to refining strokes with precision, played a pivotal role in Qin's resurgence. This included a comprehensive overhaul of Qin's breaststroke technique, focusing on enhancing power, speed, and glide distance with each stroke. The results were profound, propelling Qin not only to dominate the challenging 200-meter breaststroke but also to excel in the shorter distances of 50 and 100 breaststroke events. Coach Cui Deng Rong's influence became the catalyst for Qin's triumphant return, turning setbacks into opportunities and cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of competitive swimming.
In the words of Qin Haiyang, "Courage and curiosity are the keys to opening the world, and ambition is the curiosity that grows up." This philosophy has not only transformed my approach to life, making me more proactive, confident, and daring in setting and achieving goals but has also proven instrumental in the ease with which victories have been attained. Yet, in the relentless pursuit of excellence, I acknowledge that after conquering one goal, there always emerges a new aspiration. For me, that next milestone is shattering the 100m breaststroke world record—a dream that fuels my ambition.
As we eagerly anticipate the Paris Olympics in 2024, I invite you to join me in witnessing the continued evolution of Qin Haiyang's remarkable journey. With courage as his compass, curiosity propelling him forward, and ambition as his constant companion, there's no doubt that his performance on the grand stage will be nothing short of awe-inspiring. The relentless pursuit of dreams is a testament to the enduring spirit of an athlete whose journey unfolds with each stroke, setting new standards and inspiring others to reach for their own aspirations. Let us collectively look forward to the triumphs yet to come in Qin Haiyang's pursuit of excellence at the Paris Olympics and beyond.
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