Platform divers Li Chengwei and He Wei of the Tsinghua diving team will probably miss out on the 14th Asian Games in Busan, South Korea.
In spite of the fact that Li, the men's 10-metre platform champion in the 2001 East Asian Games and He, men's 10-metre platform champion in the 2000 Asian Championships, have proved they are among the best divers in China, with titles they took in previous years, their special student-and-athlete identification blocks their participation in the Games.
According to a regulation set by National Swimming Centre, divers must attend the closed-door training period of the national diving team before they have the right to be named to the Asian Games list. During that training period, nobody is free to do anything else, including study, in order to get rid of any "distraction."
Facing this obstacle coach Yu Fen seems regretful.
"We are training here not only for the glory of Tsinghua, but also for our country. We long for the chance to represent China at the Games. However, the nearly one-year long closed-door training regimen will badly affect their studies. Anyway, this is not a professional team," Yu said.
To fulfill such a requirement makes things difficult for athletes on the team. They are eager to study. On the other hand, they want to make a contribution to the country by training every day.
In an effort to hammer out an agreement, Tsinghua suggested that, considering the relatively short time period involved, students do their studying in the morning and go to the training centre in the afternoon. But it seems the suggestion has not been adopted, as athletes can still be seen training in the Natatorium of Tsinghua.
"Actually, Tsinghua has perfect diving facilities and first-rate professional coaches. Conditions here are as good as in any facility anywhere for the training needed for the Asian Games," Yu added. "There was no such closed training regimen before the World University Games and the National Games, but Fu Mingxia still grabbed gold medals in these competitions after general training and study in Tsinghua. I don't think study will keep one out of his or her athletic form."
With the hope of exploring a new way for China, Tsinghua seems resolved to stick to its principle of cultivating real student-athletes, rather than simply training professionals. Chen Weiqiang, Director of the Teaching and Research Division of the Physical Culture Centre indicated that Tsinghua's ultimate goal is to develop world and Olympic champions through education and training from the elementary school level and on up.
Li Chengwei expressed his satisfaction with keeping up his studies at Tsinghua. As be-medalled diver, with world, Asian and national crowns, he is also calm and clear-headed about the Games.
"First, as a student in Tsinghua, my studies are my priority. In such favourable circumstances, I treasure every moment I have to acquire knowledge. Of course, I have never doubted my power. I am fully prepared to compete to win glory for my country," he said.
"Education is a very important factor for an athlete's overall development. The spirit of sport lies in the exchange of cultures among different countries. We enjoy competing and making friends, not just winning," Li added.
It is reported that the State diving team may send a squad with veterans and young divers, aiming to sweep all eight gold medals in the Busan Games, a rehearsal for the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
The final name-list for Busan will be made public on August 20.
(China Daily 08/14/2002)
