Zhang Yufei reacts after the women's 100m freestyle final at the FISU World University Games in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province on Aug. 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)
From the Fukuoka worlds to the Chengdu Universiade, swimming Olympic and world champion Zhang Yufei has embarked on a journey of struggles, cures and changes.
by sportswriters Dong Yixing, Zhou Xin and Ma Sijia
CHENGDU, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Just two days after wrapping up her World Aquatics Championships journey with five medals, including two golds, Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei kicked off her Chengdu Universiade campaign and completed a gold medal sweep in all nine events she competed in.
Drained and exhausted, Zhang still wears a big smile on her face. "My medal cabinet is so loaded that my mother had to buy a new one. But I guess it will be full again after I return home from Chengdu," Zhang teased.
It may sound like a humblebrag, but the 25-year-old has always been smiling in full confidence, even though her way to glory is set to go along with briars and thorns. "I'd leave behind whatever upsets me after a nice sleep or two. If not, a hotpot will do."
BREAKTHROUGH IN FUKUOKA
Having collected six bronze medals in her previous four World Championships, Zhang admitted that she was "confident but nervous" before going to Fukuoka, Japan as she hadn't competed in top-tier international competitions for half a year, not knowing how she or her opponents would perform.
"I know I'm one of the best in the world. But what bothers me is that I might bring back a bunch of bronze medals again, so I was kind of nervous ahead of the 100m butterfly. I really hoped I could claim an individual gold."
56.12 seconds were enough to secure Zhang her first World Championships title, and impress her idol and world record holder Sarah Sjostrom.
"For us challengers, we have to get closer to her record to draw her attention," said Zhang, whose winning time was 0.64 seconds shy of Sjostrom's 2016 benchmark.
"I think that's what I'm doing now. She is my idol, but I still want to surpass her one day. The greatest respect for your opponent is to give it your all. I am looking forward to that day."
Zhang (R) hugs Sarah Sjostrom of Sweden during the award ceremony of the women's 50m freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan on July 30, 2023. (Xinhua/Xia Yifang)
Despite collecting two gold, one silver and two bronze medals in Fukuoka, Zhang admitted that she was still far from her best, both mentally and physically. It was partly luck that empowered her victory over Canada's Margaret MacNeil and defending champion Torri Huske of the United States in the 100m butterfly.
"The three of us are almost at the same level. We all have a shot at winning and breaking the world record. It really depends on who has better opportunity and luck," said Zhang. "Last year, I was not in good shape to compete against them in all aspects. But this year, maybe it's the other way around, so I got the gold medal as I wished."
Zhang later pulled out of the 200m butterfly to focus on the mixed 4x100m medley relay, a decision that relieved her of the dreaded event and led to a team gold.
China's gold medalists Xu Jiayu, Qin Haiyang, Zhang Yufei and Cheng Yujie (L to R) pose with their medals after the mixed 4x100m medley relay final at the World Aquatics Championships on July 26, 2023. (Xinhua/Xu Chang)
Performing to growing external expectations, Zhang fears failures, especially in one of her main events - the 200m butterfly. For her, the best cure is to stay optimistic and learn to forget.
"I'm one of those people who would rather not face failures. My coach did his best to help me break through, but it didn't work out well. So I tried to look for what motivates and comforts me."
"The biggest advantage as a young athlete is to dare to struggle. After becoming a champion, you start to be timid and worried about not winning again, which is what I'm facing now. I hope young athletes can have more confidence and never be afraid of failure, which will be beneficial for them in the future," she added.
JOY IN CHENGDU
Returning from the worlds, Zhang said she really enjoyed the more relaxing and breezy atmosphere at the Universiade, calling it "a rewarding stage in life."
"The Youth Olympic Games and the Universiade are probably once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for athletes, so I feel honored to be able to participate in both Games at an appropriate age."
On top of four individual events, Zhang competed in five relays at the Chengdu Universiade along with other star swimmers like Li Bingjie and Qin Haiyang, with the aim of passing along experience and energy to the newcomers.
"The youngsters told me before the competition that they were nervous. I said there is no need to be, what are you worrying about with us? You have to believe in yourself and believe in us."
Zhang is all smiles after receiving her gold medal for the women's 100m freestyle at the FISU World University Games on Aug. 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Huang Wei)
Besides guiding her young teammates, Zhang also made some new friends in Chengdu, such as Erin Paige Gallagher of South Africa.
"We swam together in the 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly and 100m freestyle. She was always in the lane next to me. She said I've got a good personality and speak good English," Zhang laughed. "She wanted to see giant pandas, so I recommended visiting Hua Hua and having hotpot - we really talked a lot."
"There were a lot of young fans in the Village and they said 'Can I take a picture with you? Can I have your autograph?' I'm really flattered at their love for me. And I hope I could be a role model for them."
"I started receiving and exchanging badges with fans, volunteers and athletes a few days ago. I attached them to my credential lanyard one by one," Zhang recalled. "Before coming here, I thought there would be a lot of fans cheering for us in Chengdu. But their enthusiasm is still beyond my expectations."
AIMING FOR PARIS
Two gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics and a victory in the highly competitive women's 100m butterfly at the World Championships left no doubts about her strength, but Zhang still registered for nine events at the University Games and lowered no fewer than eight FISU records.
"Actually, I've been in this competition mode since the start of 2023, and my entries and mentality are gradually aiming at the Paris Olympics," Zhang explained.
"People ask why I signed up for nine events, every day swimming two or three rounds in each event. It's because I want to improve my endurance, and when this situation takes place in Paris next year, I know how to cope with it."
Zhang looks on after the women's 50m freestyle final at the FISU World University Games on Aug. 7, 2023. (Xinhua/Wu Gang)
Zhang's mindset has changed a lot through her tough and repetitive training. "Before the Tokyo Olympics, I was more like being pushed by people that everyone hoped I could become an Olympic champion. And I became a champion under the gaze of millions."
"But now, I want to see how much potential I have, see if I can win the Olympics again, and see where my limits are."
"I'm too careless. I can't do many details that my coach has asked for. And I always find myself excuses to be lazy," said an outspoken Zhang, who is well aware of her shortcomings.
However, after newly-crowned Qin joined coach Cui Dengrong's training team more than a year ago, Zhang became much more motivated. "I'm kind of a competitive person. If guys can do 15-kilo pull-ups, so can I. If they do 40, I'll follow."
"Now that Haiyang is here, he's much more focused and determined in training than I am. Coach Cui and I have discussed this many times and he said 'if you were as serious as Haiyang, you would have broken the world record a long time ago,'" Zhang blushed. "I would encourage myself not to be lazy anymore and polish the details." ■
