Qin Haiyang of China competes in the men's 100m breaststroke final at the 31st FISU Summer World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Aug. 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wu Gang)
Leaving gold medals and world records behind, China's star swimmer Qin Haiyang is striving for a fresh start at the Chengdu Universiade.
By Sportswriters Yao Youming, Ma Sijia, Geng Huihuang and Yang Fan
CHENGDU, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- After breaking a world record and winning four gold medals at the World Aquatics Championships in Japan, the newly-promoted Chinese "king of breaststroke" Qin Haiyang, began his new chapter at the 31st FISU World University Games.
"I won't let the gold medals become my burden. I will regard each competition as a new challenge," Qin said on Wednesday.
When the Chinese swimming team was established, Qin only had the title of "winner of the 14th Chinese National Games" in the media guidebook released by the Chinese delegation on July 14. However, upon arriving in Chengdu early on Tuesday, the 24-year-old has become one of the favorites in the event.
Qin Haiyang celebrates winning the men's 200m breaststroke final at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, July 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
Almost seven hours after arriving in Chengdu, Qin kicked off his first Universiade campaign by finishing second in the men's 100m breaststroke heats, clocking one minute and 0.06 seconds.
In the semifinal round, Qin updated the FISU record to 58.42, igniting excitement among the attendees at the Dong'an Lake Sports Park Aquatics Center.
"For me, there is no difference between the World Championships and the FISU Games. I just want to try my best in each game I participate," Qin said.
"I'd like to compare the FISU swimming event to training classes. I want to make some adjustments and strive for good results," he added.
On Wednesday, Qin dominated the swimming pool, not only winning the men's 100m breaststroke gold medal but also snatching gold in the mixed 4x100m medley relay in three minutes and 44.02 seconds with teammates Zhang Yufei, Li Bingjie, and Wang Gukailai.
"Our team has always been giving our best during these years, so we deserve this honor," Qin said after the event's awarding ceremony.
China's Wang Gukailai, Qin Haiyang, Zhang Yufei and Li Bingjie (L to R) pose for photo during the awarding ceremony of the mixed 4x100m medley relay at the Chengdu Universiade, August 2, 2023. (Xinhua/Wu Gang)
As one of the best swimmers in the world, Qin's performance brought confidence to his younger teammates.
"Qin is not only a university student but also our hero. The younger players all dream to be elite swimmers like him," said Luo Youyang, a member of the Chinese team.
Compared with his speed in the swimming pool, Qin's speaking pace is much slower.
"Qin has many good personal qualities. He works hard and has outstanding persistence. He speaks slowly but has great determination. He is not easily affected by the outside world," said Ye Jin, Qin's first coach.
During the men's 200m breaststroke heats at the Tokyo Olympic Games, Qin suffered a technique foul, and his result was canceled at that time. Looking ahead to the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, Qin has set his own target.
"After achieving a small goal, I always want to aim for more." ■
