Li Zhesi became known when she won 50m free at City Games 2007 with a time 25.40s, as a 12 years old. In 2008, she was a semi-finalist in Beijing Olympics followed by being part of 4x100m medley winning team at Rome Worlds in 2009. In the same year, she also swam the 2nd fastest women 50m free in Asia, 24.56s at National Games, only behind Asian record holder, Le Jingyi at 24.51 set at Rome Worlds in 1994 during the golden flower era. She is also Asian Games champion in 2010 but she seems to be unable to improve her time in 50m free after the tech suit was banned. In 2012 National championships in April, she was even out of top 3 in the 50m free and then the doping news broke later after the championships. The news confirmed her absence of Olympics due to her doping announced by CSA but unconfirmed if she can compete in 2013 National Games (she definitely will not be legitimate to swim in National Games if she is banned for at least 2 years since she will still be under the banned period when National Games starts). It was only a few days ago that her ban was really confirmed by FINA.
From swimnews.com, Craig Lord claimed her coach is Feng Zhen, who is also a coach of Li Xuanxu, Olympic bronze medalist. It is strange that all the news in the past up to 2011 I read about Li Zhesi, her coach is Yuan Yue, who also trains Wang Junyao (who swims sprint freestyle and butterfly). On the other hand, Feng's pupils were/are all either long distance freestylers or IMers including Li Xuanxu, Yang Fan, You Meihong, Yu Xin, Huang Chaosheng and Yang Zhixian. Among them, Li Xuanxu and Yang Zhixian are both London Olympians in women's/men's 400m IM. Currently, Li Xuanxu is still training well and just a week ago, she swam 8:29 for 800m free at a small meet in Australia. If Feng is banned, Li Xuanxu's training must be affected in some way since in China, coach-swimmer relationship can be like parents and children that swimmers see their coach more than their parents by a whole lot.
But in the end, there is a person called Wang Shun who becomes the banned coach. Is he a scape goat by the way? I think he is not the IM swimmer also named Wang Shun.
Li Zhesi is from Liaoning Province, a province that produces a lot of fine athletes in athletics and swimming and at the same time, creates a lot of headlines in doping. The most stunning achievement from Liaoning province is the world records of middle long distance running Ma's army produced at Chinese National Games in 1993 that are still untouchable until now. Ma's army is a female middle long distance running team coached by Ma Junren. In 1992, Ma's army runner Qu Yunxia became the 1st Chinese to win a medal (Bronze) in middle distance (women 1500m) at Olympics. In recent interview, Qu still believed that she could win the race in Barcelona and attribute her loss to her inexperience at big meet. Nevertheless, she became 3000m world champion in 1993 Stturgart Worlds with her 2 teammates sweeping silver and bronze. Her teammate, Wang Junxia and Liu Dong also won 10000m and 1500m, respectively. Then Wang became the leading role as she broke world records in 10k and 3k at Chinese National Games. For 10000m, she became the 1st woman to break the magic 30-min mark. Qu, at the same meet, broke 1500m world record. In 1995, Ma's army disbanded and only Wang Junxia succeeded at Atlanta Olympics in 1996 after she overcame a lot of resistance with her coach. She also pre-maturely retired after Olympics as a 23-years-old. Ma's army once revived in 1997 National Games breaking women's 5000m world record and aimed high at Sydney Olympics in 2000. To show Ma's determination at Olympics, he unprecedentedly sent his runner overseas to run at IAAF meets. It was in vain when the doping news broke. In the end, only one of his runners, Li Ji passed the doping test and was selected to the Olympics (but how & why?) and finished 6th in women's 10000m.
For Liaoning swimmers, Lu Bin is the most famous in the early 90s. She was finalist (8th) in women's 200m free at Barcelona Olympics in 1992. She won 200m IM at Worlds in 1994 when her Lianning teammate, Dai Guohong took 400m IM. Lu then broke women's 200m IM world record at Asian Games but was later tested positve with another 6 athletes. Although Dai never had a postive result, she retired immaturely the next year. After Lu , the biggest swimming star from Liaoning is Chen Yan, who broke women's 400m IM world record at National Games in 1997 and became 400m free/400m IM World champion at Perth Worlds in 1998, which was (and still is) another doping dismal for China. She was also a 2-time Olympian (1996 and 2000) and swam for University of Hawaii until 2003. People always confuse her with another Chen Yan, who was banned for doping in 1998 before Asian Games. The latter Chen was one of the top national backstrokers in the same period of time from Jiangsu province and a Olympian in 1996 swimming 100m back.
Another random piece: Liu Zige, women's 200m butterfly Olympic champion, is also from Liaoning province but never represented for the province. She represents for Shanghai from very young age.
Now, it is Li Zhesi, a 18-year-old swimmer...
For my next blogs, I will go a little deeper in some history of Chinese Athletics and swimming based on my memory
Friday, February 01, 2013
Friday, December 28, 2012
Pang Jiaying will retire next year after National Games
Pang Jiaying, 27, women's 200m free bronze medalist in 2008 Olympics and also Olympian in 2012 London Games, said she is going to retire next year after national games. As the oldest team member in Chinese women team (Chen Zuo is the oldest on the men's side at 30 and retiring soon), she recently won a 4x200 free bronze at short course Worlds in Instanbul with her younger team mates.
Pang said,"I competed in 4 editions of World short course championships but I still can't race well in short course pool due to my poor turning technique." Nevertheless, she is satisfied with her bronze in this edition. The most exciting experience for Pang is 2006 Worlds in Shanghai, which is also her hometown. She said," In front of my hometown, I also took bronze in 4x200m free like this year. I always feel more confident in front of the home crowd, just like Long Course Worlds last year. Our hometown is great in meet organization." She further mentioned,"I am also impressed with the Indianpolis short course Worlds in 2006 in which the organizer built a temporary pool in the NBA stadium."
It's worth to mention that she also trains with Tang Yi, 100m free bronze medalist at London Olympics in 2012. As a senior, she used to offer a lot of help and advice to her younger team mate such as urging Tang to turn in as it gets late. She said,"I am like witnessing her rise. We get along quite well. When she started joining our team, I think she is such a cute innocent girl. As for now, I can sense she grows up a lot over the years and she knows how to manage herself quite well. Now, she wouldn't get as moody in the training as our coach, Pang Jiazhang, always keeps the communication going. She is also getter maturer in handling her life and controlling her emotions."
On coach Pang, she laughed, "My coach has been with me for 14 years. Not only me, but the whole team has the deepest respect for him. Whenever he stands on the poolside, no one dares to slack." As what Pang Jiaying described, coach Pang is more like a stern father to the team and she said jokingly that her younger team mate, Pu Wenjie, is afraid of him "to the death".
She elaborated,"As I get older, coach Pang is not as stern in my training nowadays. We both have experienced a lot, no matter it is sweet or bitter memory and with all the stories we've been through, I know there is a deep bond between both of us. In 2008 Beijing Olympics, I won 200m free bronze. As I know my coach quite well over the years, he is not an articulate but rather introvert person. After medal ceremony, I remembered he all the sudden gave me a big hug which really took me by surprise but I fully, 100% understand his intention, which includes his satisfaction of my results, his understanding of my efforts and inputs that finally paid off and ... a whole lot... But I didn't cry on the scene."
Pang confessed at the end,"National Games next year will be the last competition of my swimming career. As always, My goal is gold medal for sure and I hope I can win as many gold medals as I can to fulfil my last swimming goal to the fullest."
Pang said,"I competed in 4 editions of World short course championships but I still can't race well in short course pool due to my poor turning technique." Nevertheless, she is satisfied with her bronze in this edition. The most exciting experience for Pang is 2006 Worlds in Shanghai, which is also her hometown. She said," In front of my hometown, I also took bronze in 4x200m free like this year. I always feel more confident in front of the home crowd, just like Long Course Worlds last year. Our hometown is great in meet organization." She further mentioned,"I am also impressed with the Indianpolis short course Worlds in 2006 in which the organizer built a temporary pool in the NBA stadium."
It's worth to mention that she also trains with Tang Yi, 100m free bronze medalist at London Olympics in 2012. As a senior, she used to offer a lot of help and advice to her younger team mate such as urging Tang to turn in as it gets late. She said,"I am like witnessing her rise. We get along quite well. When she started joining our team, I think she is such a cute innocent girl. As for now, I can sense she grows up a lot over the years and she knows how to manage herself quite well. Now, she wouldn't get as moody in the training as our coach, Pang Jiazhang, always keeps the communication going. She is also getter maturer in handling her life and controlling her emotions."
On coach Pang, she laughed, "My coach has been with me for 14 years. Not only me, but the whole team has the deepest respect for him. Whenever he stands on the poolside, no one dares to slack." As what Pang Jiaying described, coach Pang is more like a stern father to the team and she said jokingly that her younger team mate, Pu Wenjie, is afraid of him "to the death".
She elaborated,"As I get older, coach Pang is not as stern in my training nowadays. We both have experienced a lot, no matter it is sweet or bitter memory and with all the stories we've been through, I know there is a deep bond between both of us. In 2008 Beijing Olympics, I won 200m free bronze. As I know my coach quite well over the years, he is not an articulate but rather introvert person. After medal ceremony, I remembered he all the sudden gave me a big hug which really took me by surprise but I fully, 100% understand his intention, which includes his satisfaction of my results, his understanding of my efforts and inputs that finally paid off and ... a whole lot... But I didn't cry on the scene."
Pang confessed at the end,"National Games next year will be the last competition of my swimming career. As always, My goal is gold medal for sure and I hope I can win as many gold medals as I can to fulfil my last swimming goal to the fullest."
Chinese Winter Nationals Day 4
Qingdao, Shandong
On the last day of the competition, only the champions were found without men's 50m free result. In men's 200m IM, Zhejiang's Shi Yi topped at 2:01.37. Women version was won by Zhou Min of Shanghai team at 2:13.70. Zhou had already took 400m IM on day 1. Zheng Kaimin from Shangdong team took the men's 1500m free in 15:20.23. These times are considered quite fast in such a low key meet in the absence of all the big guns. The last domestic competition in 2012 concluded. Next, Chinese team will race against Australia and South Africa in January, featuring Ye Shiwen. There will also be low-key national meet early next year before the 1st Chinese nationals, which is normally scheduled in April.
On the last day of the competition, only the champions were found without men's 50m free result. In men's 200m IM, Zhejiang's Shi Yi topped at 2:01.37. Women version was won by Zhou Min of Shanghai team at 2:13.70. Zhou had already took 400m IM on day 1. Zheng Kaimin from Shangdong team took the men's 1500m free in 15:20.23. These times are considered quite fast in such a low key meet in the absence of all the big guns. The last domestic competition in 2012 concluded. Next, Chinese team will race against Australia and South Africa in January, featuring Ye Shiwen. There will also be low-key national meet early next year before the 1st Chinese nationals, which is normally scheduled in April.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Chinese Winter Nationals Day 3
Qingdao, Shandong Province
After winning 100m fly on day 1, Zhang Qibin took the men's 100m free in 50.03, pretty good swim for Chinese men. Jiang Yuhui, already a double champion in 200m/400m free, took 3rd (50.66), in front of Xu Qiheng (50.42) in 2nd position. 400m IM specialist, Li Xiang won men's 200m fly in slow 2:00.42 but good enough to fend off Wei Haobo (2:00.59) and Xu Zhijie (2:00.85). China appears to lack a new wave of 200m fly swimmers to pass the baton to after Wu Peng (25 years old) and Chen Yin (26 years old), who have been the Chinese men's 200m fly medalists/finalists in the major meets for the last 8 years. National record holder in men's 100m breaststroke, Xie Zhi, won 200m title in 2:14.74. On women's side, Youth Olympic champion in 2010, Liu Lan won women's 100m fly in 59.71, more than a second over Zhou Min, who won 400m IM on day 1. 100m breaststroke was unimpressed when the winning time was only 1:11.46 by Liu Siwen. This reflects the current status of women's breaststroke in China and breaststroke has been the weakest link this year which was magnified in Olympics. China has pretty strong backstroke leg (Zhao Jing, 5th), butterfly leg (Lu Ying, silver) and freestyle leg (Tang Yi, bronze) but with no finalist in 100m breastroke. The level all the sudden dropped so much when Ji Liping was still a bronze medalist in Worlds last year. Breaststroke seems to be one of the life lines for China to medal in relay. In 2009 Worlds, Chen Huijia's stunning 1:04 breaststroke leg was the key of their success when none of the relay team members medalled in the individual events. As their freestyle picks up, they also need to take some care of their breaststroke. In women's 400m free, it was another tussle between Cao Yue and Pang Wenxian after 200m and 800m free yesterday. Cao from Shanxi province had the last laugh to snatch the title at a fine 4:09.02, 0.13 faster than Pang. Zhang Yuhan was distant 3rd. Cao has medalled in all events from 100m to 800m free. It also seems that Shanxi province, really picks up in swimming. For the last couple of years, they only produced national champions like Xue Ruipeng and Zhao Jin, both breastroke swimmers.
Men
100m freestyle
1. Zhang Qibin (Shandong Province) 00 minute 50.03 second
2. Xu Qiheng (Jiangsu Province) 00:50.42
3. Jiang Yuhui (Shanghai) 00:50.66
200m butterfly
1. Li Xiang (Tianjin) 2:00.42
2. Wei Haobo (Shanxi Province) 2:00.59
3. Xu Zhijie (Shanghai) 2:00.85
200m breaststroke
1. Xie Zhi (Yunan Province) 2:14.74
2. Ma Junjie (Guangdong Province) 2:15.22
3. Yan Zibei (Hubei Province) 2:16.62
Women
100m butterfly
1. Liu Lan (Bayi) 00:59.71
2. Zhou Min (Shanghai) 1:01.04
3. Zhang Sishi (Shanghai) 1:01.47
100m breaststroke
1. Liu Siwen (Beijing) 1:11.46
2. Li Qing (Guangdong Province) 1:11.69
3. Chen Qian (Sichuan Province) 1:12.05
400m freestyle
1. Cao Yue (Shanxi Province) 4:09.02
2. Pang Wenxian (Tianjin) 4:09.15
3. Zhang Yuhan (Bayi) 4:11.09
After winning 100m fly on day 1, Zhang Qibin took the men's 100m free in 50.03, pretty good swim for Chinese men. Jiang Yuhui, already a double champion in 200m/400m free, took 3rd (50.66), in front of Xu Qiheng (50.42) in 2nd position. 400m IM specialist, Li Xiang won men's 200m fly in slow 2:00.42 but good enough to fend off Wei Haobo (2:00.59) and Xu Zhijie (2:00.85). China appears to lack a new wave of 200m fly swimmers to pass the baton to after Wu Peng (25 years old) and Chen Yin (26 years old), who have been the Chinese men's 200m fly medalists/finalists in the major meets for the last 8 years. National record holder in men's 100m breaststroke, Xie Zhi, won 200m title in 2:14.74. On women's side, Youth Olympic champion in 2010, Liu Lan won women's 100m fly in 59.71, more than a second over Zhou Min, who won 400m IM on day 1. 100m breaststroke was unimpressed when the winning time was only 1:11.46 by Liu Siwen. This reflects the current status of women's breaststroke in China and breaststroke has been the weakest link this year which was magnified in Olympics. China has pretty strong backstroke leg (Zhao Jing, 5th), butterfly leg (Lu Ying, silver) and freestyle leg (Tang Yi, bronze) but with no finalist in 100m breastroke. The level all the sudden dropped so much when Ji Liping was still a bronze medalist in Worlds last year. Breaststroke seems to be one of the life lines for China to medal in relay. In 2009 Worlds, Chen Huijia's stunning 1:04 breaststroke leg was the key of their success when none of the relay team members medalled in the individual events. As their freestyle picks up, they also need to take some care of their breaststroke. In women's 400m free, it was another tussle between Cao Yue and Pang Wenxian after 200m and 800m free yesterday. Cao from Shanxi province had the last laugh to snatch the title at a fine 4:09.02, 0.13 faster than Pang. Zhang Yuhan was distant 3rd. Cao has medalled in all events from 100m to 800m free. It also seems that Shanxi province, really picks up in swimming. For the last couple of years, they only produced national champions like Xue Ruipeng and Zhao Jin, both breastroke swimmers.
Men
100m freestyle
1. Zhang Qibin (Shandong Province) 00 minute 50.03 second
2. Xu Qiheng (Jiangsu Province) 00:50.42
3. Jiang Yuhui (Shanghai) 00:50.66
200m butterfly
1. Li Xiang (Tianjin) 2:00.42
2. Wei Haobo (Shanxi Province) 2:00.59
3. Xu Zhijie (Shanghai) 2:00.85
200m breaststroke
1. Xie Zhi (Yunan Province) 2:14.74
2. Ma Junjie (Guangdong Province) 2:15.22
3. Yan Zibei (Hubei Province) 2:16.62
Women
100m butterfly
1. Liu Lan (Bayi) 00:59.71
2. Zhou Min (Shanghai) 1:01.04
3. Zhang Sishi (Shanghai) 1:01.47
100m breaststroke
1. Liu Siwen (Beijing) 1:11.46
2. Li Qing (Guangdong Province) 1:11.69
3. Chen Qian (Sichuan Province) 1:12.05
400m freestyle
1. Cao Yue (Shanxi Province) 4:09.02
2. Pang Wenxian (Tianjin) 4:09.15
3. Zhang Yuhan (Bayi) 4:11.09
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Chinese winter Nationals Day 2
Qingdao, Shandong Province
There were no exciting results on Day 2 winter Nationals but some of the big names were in action. Ma Xiang and Xie Zhi, national record holders in 100m breaststroke (1:00.73 in 2009), finished 1st and 2nd in the men's 100m breaststroke. Xie, 24 this year, has been one of the top breaststrokers in China since 2006 but never represent China in Olympics. His main result is 50m breaststroke champion in 2010 Asian Games where he beat Kosuke Kitajima in the process. Lin Yongqin and Lin Taiqi, both regular top 8 finishers in Nationals, finished 1st and 2nd with relatively slow times (2:01.23 vs. 2:02.17). Jiang Yuhui became double champion when he won 400m free in 3:54.37 over newcomers Dai Yang and Hong Jinlong, whose registered teams are popular in producing fine long distance free aces such as Chen Qian from Shangdong Province who holds Asian records in women's 400/800m free and Sun Yang from Zhejiang Province, Olympic champion in 400/1500m free. Already a 24.60 swimmer in short course this year, Zhang Ying won the national title in 25.70. Zhu Wenrui, from Shanxi Province, who seems to be same swimmer formerly registered under Tianjin and silver medalist in 400m free at 2006 Asian Games, came in distant 2nd at 26.05. Sprinter Yao Jianan was third. Luan Xiaoxuan won the women's 100m back in 1:01.72. More experienced Xutian Longzi was second in 1:02.04. Pang Wenxian and Cao Xue both medalled in women's 200m and 800m free. Cao Yue won 200m free in 1:59.26, the only sub-2:00 swim while Pang was 1:07s behind. Pang then took 800m free in fine 8:32.44 with Yang Siyu and Cao in 2nd and 3rd. Cao also medalled in 100m free on day 1.
Men
100m breaststroke
1. Ma Xiang (Tianjin) 1 minute 01.98 second
2. Xie Zhi (Yunnan Province) 1:02.16
3. Ma Junjie (Guangdong Province) 1:03.45
200m backstroke
1. Lin Yongqin (Liaoning Province) 2:01.23
2. Lin Taiqi (Fujian Province) 2:02.17
2. Yang Tinyu (Heilongjiang Province) 2:02.17
400m freestyle
1. Jiang Yuhui (Shanghai) 3:54.37
2. Dai Yang (Shandong Province) 3:56.04
3. Hong Jinlong (Zhejiang Province) 3:56.20
Women
50m freestyle
1. Zhang Ying (Guangdong Province) 00:25.70
2. Zhu Wenrui (Shanxi Province) 00:26.05
3. Yao Jianan (Guangzhou Military Region) 00:26.06
100m backstroke
1. Luan Xiaoxuan (Shandong Province) 1:01.72
2. Xu Tianlongzi (Bayi) 1:02.04
3. Wang Xueer (Guangdong Province) 1:02.82
200m breaststroke
1. Zhou Min (Shanghai) 2:31.58
2. Wu Qinhua (Shanghai) 2:32.65
3. Liu Siwen (Beijing) 2:34.68
200m freestyle
1. Cao Yue (Shanxi Province) 1:59.26
2. Pang Wenxian (Tianjin) 2:00.33
3. Wang Xinyu (Beijing) 2:00.56
800m freestyle
1. Pang Wenxian (Tianjin) 8:32.44
2. Yan Siyu (Bayi) 8:37.03
3. Cao Yue (Shanxi Province) 8:38.80
There were no exciting results on Day 2 winter Nationals but some of the big names were in action. Ma Xiang and Xie Zhi, national record holders in 100m breaststroke (1:00.73 in 2009), finished 1st and 2nd in the men's 100m breaststroke. Xie, 24 this year, has been one of the top breaststrokers in China since 2006 but never represent China in Olympics. His main result is 50m breaststroke champion in 2010 Asian Games where he beat Kosuke Kitajima in the process. Lin Yongqin and Lin Taiqi, both regular top 8 finishers in Nationals, finished 1st and 2nd with relatively slow times (2:01.23 vs. 2:02.17). Jiang Yuhui became double champion when he won 400m free in 3:54.37 over newcomers Dai Yang and Hong Jinlong, whose registered teams are popular in producing fine long distance free aces such as Chen Qian from Shangdong Province who holds Asian records in women's 400/800m free and Sun Yang from Zhejiang Province, Olympic champion in 400/1500m free. Already a 24.60 swimmer in short course this year, Zhang Ying won the national title in 25.70. Zhu Wenrui, from Shanxi Province, who seems to be same swimmer formerly registered under Tianjin and silver medalist in 400m free at 2006 Asian Games, came in distant 2nd at 26.05. Sprinter Yao Jianan was third. Luan Xiaoxuan won the women's 100m back in 1:01.72. More experienced Xutian Longzi was second in 1:02.04. Pang Wenxian and Cao Xue both medalled in women's 200m and 800m free. Cao Yue won 200m free in 1:59.26, the only sub-2:00 swim while Pang was 1:07s behind. Pang then took 800m free in fine 8:32.44 with Yang Siyu and Cao in 2nd and 3rd. Cao also medalled in 100m free on day 1.
Men
100m breaststroke
1. Ma Xiang (Tianjin) 1 minute 01.98 second
2. Xie Zhi (Yunnan Province) 1:02.16
3. Ma Junjie (Guangdong Province) 1:03.45
200m backstroke
1. Lin Yongqin (Liaoning Province) 2:01.23
2. Lin Taiqi (Fujian Province) 2:02.17
2. Yang Tinyu (Heilongjiang Province) 2:02.17
400m freestyle
1. Jiang Yuhui (Shanghai) 3:54.37
2. Dai Yang (Shandong Province) 3:56.04
3. Hong Jinlong (Zhejiang Province) 3:56.20
Women
50m freestyle
1. Zhang Ying (Guangdong Province) 00:25.70
2. Zhu Wenrui (Shanxi Province) 00:26.05
3. Yao Jianan (Guangzhou Military Region) 00:26.06
100m backstroke
1. Luan Xiaoxuan (Shandong Province) 1:01.72
2. Xu Tianlongzi (Bayi) 1:02.04
3. Wang Xueer (Guangdong Province) 1:02.82
200m breaststroke
1. Zhou Min (Shanghai) 2:31.58
2. Wu Qinhua (Shanghai) 2:32.65
3. Liu Siwen (Beijing) 2:34.68
200m freestyle
1. Cao Yue (Shanxi Province) 1:59.26
2. Pang Wenxian (Tianjin) 2:00.33
3. Wang Xinyu (Beijing) 2:00.56
800m freestyle
1. Pang Wenxian (Tianjin) 8:32.44
2. Yan Siyu (Bayi) 8:37.03
3. Cao Yue (Shanxi Province) 8:38.80
Monday, December 24, 2012
Chinese winter long course championships: Day 1
Qingdao, Shandong (24/12/2012)
While all the Chinese Olympic medalists skipped this meet right at the end of the year, Some up and coming swimmers are in aciton. Zhang Qibin, who had several wins in recent world cup, won easily in men's 100 fly at a modest 53.47. Jiang Yuhui, one of the main 200m freestyler in Chinese team, got the win over up and coming Bian Shaoqi from Sichuan province. Having been in Chinese top 5, Li Xiang from Tianjin won men's 400m IM at 4:18.61, about 4 seconds off his PB, in the absence of his main competitors like Huang Chaosheng, Yang Zhixian and Wang Shun. The win was not handy as a Zhejiang newcomer, Shi Yi, was only 9/100 second behind Li. Zhang Jiaqi, who has been competiting in national and world cup stages, won her 1st national champion in women's 100m free at 55.42. The traditional powerhouse of the event, Shanghai swimmers, however, were not in top 3 but their women swept wins from the remaining events, 200m fly and 400m IM. Among them, Zhou Min, who was 3rd in April Nationals behind Olympic champion Ye Shiwen and bronze medalist, Li Xuanxu, was runner-up in 200m fly and then came back to win 400m IM. Surprisingly, Zhou Lili, a long distance free specialist and a 8th finisher in 400m free in recent short course Worlds, won the women's 200m fly. This meet serves as a qualifying competition for National Games next year
Men
100m butterfly
1. Zhang Qibin (Shandong Province) 53.47 seconds
2. Ning Zeshou (Navy of PRC) 54.19
3. Wang Yuxi (Shandong Province) 54.36
200m freestyle
1. Jiang Yuhui (Shanghai) 1 minute 49.85 seconds
2. Bian Shaoqin (Sichuan Province) 01:50.51
3. Zhang Jie (Shanghai) 01:51.09
400m individual medley
1. Li Xiang (Tianjin) 04:18.61
2. Shi Yi (Zhejiang Province) 04:18.70
3. Sun Yunchao (Shanghai) 04:24.58
Women
100m freestyle
Zhang Jiaqi (Beijing) 55.42 seconds
Cao Yue (Shanxi) 55.61
Zhang Ying (Guangdong) 56.15
200m butterfly
1. Zhou Lili (Shanghai) 02:12.10
2. Zhou Min (Shanghai) 02:12.61
3. Jiang Yue (Navy of PRC) 02:14.29
400m individual medley
Zhou Min (Shanghai) 04:42.77
Pang Wenxian (Tianjin) 04:45.22
Luo Xiaomei (Hunan) 04:48.47
While all the Chinese Olympic medalists skipped this meet right at the end of the year, Some up and coming swimmers are in aciton. Zhang Qibin, who had several wins in recent world cup, won easily in men's 100 fly at a modest 53.47. Jiang Yuhui, one of the main 200m freestyler in Chinese team, got the win over up and coming Bian Shaoqi from Sichuan province. Having been in Chinese top 5, Li Xiang from Tianjin won men's 400m IM at 4:18.61, about 4 seconds off his PB, in the absence of his main competitors like Huang Chaosheng, Yang Zhixian and Wang Shun. The win was not handy as a Zhejiang newcomer, Shi Yi, was only 9/100 second behind Li. Zhang Jiaqi, who has been competiting in national and world cup stages, won her 1st national champion in women's 100m free at 55.42. The traditional powerhouse of the event, Shanghai swimmers, however, were not in top 3 but their women swept wins from the remaining events, 200m fly and 400m IM. Among them, Zhou Min, who was 3rd in April Nationals behind Olympic champion Ye Shiwen and bronze medalist, Li Xuanxu, was runner-up in 200m fly and then came back to win 400m IM. Surprisingly, Zhou Lili, a long distance free specialist and a 8th finisher in 400m free in recent short course Worlds, won the women's 200m fly. This meet serves as a qualifying competition for National Games next year
Men
100m butterfly
1. Zhang Qibin (Shandong Province) 53.47 seconds
2. Ning Zeshou (Navy of PRC) 54.19
3. Wang Yuxi (Shandong Province) 54.36
200m freestyle
1. Jiang Yuhui (Shanghai) 1 minute 49.85 seconds
2. Bian Shaoqin (Sichuan Province) 01:50.51
3. Zhang Jie (Shanghai) 01:51.09
400m individual medley
1. Li Xiang (Tianjin) 04:18.61
2. Shi Yi (Zhejiang Province) 04:18.70
3. Sun Yunchao (Shanghai) 04:24.58
Women
100m freestyle
Zhang Jiaqi (Beijing) 55.42 seconds
Cao Yue (Shanxi) 55.61
Zhang Ying (Guangdong) 56.15
200m butterfly
1. Zhou Lili (Shanghai) 02:12.10
2. Zhou Min (Shanghai) 02:12.61
3. Jiang Yue (Navy of PRC) 02:14.29
400m individual medley
Zhou Min (Shanghai) 04:42.77
Pang Wenxian (Tianjin) 04:45.22
Luo Xiaomei (Hunan) 04:48.47
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Chinese Water Games 1: Zhang Fenglin, Gao Chang, Zhu Qianwei, Wang Xiangcheng and Li Xuanxu won with fast times
After 3 days of competitions, the 1st swimming NR was broken after the post-shiny suit era. Zhang Fenglin set men's 200m back NR in 1:57.86, 5/100th faster than than Ouyang Kinpeng's old mark. Zhang comes from the same province as the ex-AR holder of this event, Fu Yong, has been NG champion (at 1:58.17), National champion in April (at 1:58.24). He is the 2nd Chinese to break 1:58 mark after Ouyang. Another Chinese, Diao Jigong, also swam a swift 1:58.81 in recent World military swimming championships last month. Diao was national champion at 1:59.29 in April, 2009. It is good to see some improvements in Chinese men's backstroke which is relatively weak. On the other hand, women's 50m back world no. 1 was returned to Gao Chang at 27.54.
This meet also featured the 2nd textile 1:56 mark in Chinese women's 200m free after Lu Bin set back in 1994 (at 1:56.89). Zhu Qianwei recovered from low fever and swam 1:56.93. Surprisingly, Tang Yi was still doing well after a packed schedule of competitions. She won 6 events in Youth Olympics and now she swam another 1:57 which has been her 3rd 1:57 this year (April Nationals, Mare Monstrum, and now). She also swam a 25.11 in 50m free yesterday, her pb in textile but only settled for second behind Li Zheshi, 15 of age, who did a fast 24.92. Jiao Liuyang also got a strong in this event with 25.15, also pb. She was also invincible in her main events, winning both 100m and 200m fly in swift 57.7 and 2:5.6, respectively.
First day also featured a top 10 swim from men when Wang Chengxian from Shandong did a 4:13.09 in 400m IM, defeating the current NR holder, Huang Chaosheng by more than 1sec. Huang repeated his time in April Nationals for 2nd (4:14.75). On the women side, Li Xuanxu is still dominant in 400m IM as she did a 4:35. She also won 400m free in 4:05, 4 sec faster than 2nd swimmer.
However, Chen Qian, swimmer from Shangdong province, who set 2 ARs last year in the women 400m and 800m free, has performed under par so far. She did a modest 1:59.25 in 200m free and then a slow 4:17 in 400m free. Don't know if this is case this time: National Games champions in women 400 and 800m free have been all shooting stars. Take a look of these winners: 1993: Zhou Guanbin; 1997: Chen Yan; 2001: Zhang Liang, 2005: Yang Jieqiao and 2009: Chen Qian. All these swimmers achieved top ranked marks in both events in their winning year but almost no one (except one) can improve their time after this. Zhou was one of the 7 swimmers who was tested positive in 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games. She did improve in Asian Games but the times were not counted. Chen did a previous AR 4:05.00/8:27.94 in 1997 and won World title in 4:06 next year. Since then, she seldom swam these events and she achieved no international success after 1998 Worlds. Zhang Liang in 2001 achieved a world no. 1 mark in 400m free at 4:06.97. She is definitely a dark horse and the biggest shooting star ever. She still managed a 55s in 100m free the next year but almost disappeared after 2002. 4 years later, Yang Jieqiao won another double in 2005 with relatively slow times (4:07.54 and 8:29). She was still able to maintain that form until 2007. In that year, her 800m time had improved to 8:26 but she did not go to Worlds. According to a media report, she was having a surgery before Worlds 2007 due to a "female problem". Somehow, in late 2007 and early 2008, she decided to switch to open water and it seemed that she had qualified for the Olympics. Finally, she did not compete. She was competitng the 2009 National Games but could no longer make a big wave in the pool when a new dark horse, Chen Qian, was born, packing 2 ARs away. One controversy around Yang is that the one behind Yang may be coach Zhou Ming, who was notorious during 1990s for the drug issues in China and by right, he should not be involved in any form of coaching. Anyway, Yang has not been doing so well in recent years and only managed a 2:02 in 200m free and 4:20 in 400m free in Chinese aquatics games. If you don't try to spot her, you may not know she is still around the scene. Will Chen Qian be another sinking dark horse?
Finally, Sun Yang raced his 1st men's 400m free in 2010 and did a 3:45, which is the 3rd fastest in the world. Zhang Lin and Sun will definitely having a good fight with the reigning Asian Games champion, Park Tae Hwan. With Matsuda from Japan, it will be a world class field in coming Asian Games, featuring world no. 1-2-3 and 6th.
This meet also featured the 2nd textile 1:56 mark in Chinese women's 200m free after Lu Bin set back in 1994 (at 1:56.89). Zhu Qianwei recovered from low fever and swam 1:56.93. Surprisingly, Tang Yi was still doing well after a packed schedule of competitions. She won 6 events in Youth Olympics and now she swam another 1:57 which has been her 3rd 1:57 this year (April Nationals, Mare Monstrum, and now). She also swam a 25.11 in 50m free yesterday, her pb in textile but only settled for second behind Li Zheshi, 15 of age, who did a fast 24.92. Jiao Liuyang also got a strong in this event with 25.15, also pb. She was also invincible in her main events, winning both 100m and 200m fly in swift 57.7 and 2:5.6, respectively.
First day also featured a top 10 swim from men when Wang Chengxian from Shandong did a 4:13.09 in 400m IM, defeating the current NR holder, Huang Chaosheng by more than 1sec. Huang repeated his time in April Nationals for 2nd (4:14.75). On the women side, Li Xuanxu is still dominant in 400m IM as she did a 4:35. She also won 400m free in 4:05, 4 sec faster than 2nd swimmer.
However, Chen Qian, swimmer from Shangdong province, who set 2 ARs last year in the women 400m and 800m free, has performed under par so far. She did a modest 1:59.25 in 200m free and then a slow 4:17 in 400m free. Don't know if this is case this time: National Games champions in women 400 and 800m free have been all shooting stars. Take a look of these winners: 1993: Zhou Guanbin; 1997: Chen Yan; 2001: Zhang Liang, 2005: Yang Jieqiao and 2009: Chen Qian. All these swimmers achieved top ranked marks in both events in their winning year but almost no one (except one) can improve their time after this. Zhou was one of the 7 swimmers who was tested positive in 1994 Hiroshima Asian Games. She did improve in Asian Games but the times were not counted. Chen did a previous AR 4:05.00/8:27.94 in 1997 and won World title in 4:06 next year. Since then, she seldom swam these events and she achieved no international success after 1998 Worlds. Zhang Liang in 2001 achieved a world no. 1 mark in 400m free at 4:06.97. She is definitely a dark horse and the biggest shooting star ever. She still managed a 55s in 100m free the next year but almost disappeared after 2002. 4 years later, Yang Jieqiao won another double in 2005 with relatively slow times (4:07.54 and 8:29). She was still able to maintain that form until 2007. In that year, her 800m time had improved to 8:26 but she did not go to Worlds. According to a media report, she was having a surgery before Worlds 2007 due to a "female problem". Somehow, in late 2007 and early 2008, she decided to switch to open water and it seemed that she had qualified for the Olympics. Finally, she did not compete. She was competitng the 2009 National Games but could no longer make a big wave in the pool when a new dark horse, Chen Qian, was born, packing 2 ARs away. One controversy around Yang is that the one behind Yang may be coach Zhou Ming, who was notorious during 1990s for the drug issues in China and by right, he should not be involved in any form of coaching. Anyway, Yang has not been doing so well in recent years and only managed a 2:02 in 200m free and 4:20 in 400m free in Chinese aquatics games. If you don't try to spot her, you may not know she is still around the scene. Will Chen Qian be another sinking dark horse?
Finally, Sun Yang raced his 1st men's 400m free in 2010 and did a 3:45, which is the 3rd fastest in the world. Zhang Lin and Sun will definitely having a good fight with the reigning Asian Games champion, Park Tae Hwan. With Matsuda from Japan, it will be a world class field in coming Asian Games, featuring world no. 1-2-3 and 6th.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Chinese swimming and athletics team for YOG
Swimming:
Tang Yi (SH): 50, 100 and 200m free
50m free
2009 NCC: 25.33
2009 NG: 24.81
2009 EAG: 25.49 (silver)
2010 NCC: 25.62 (3rd)
100m free
2008 NC (winter): 55.80
2007 CG: 55.41
2008 NC (summer): 54.82
2009 NCC: 54.88
2009 NG: 53.88 (3rd)
2009 EAG: 54.82 (silver)
2010 NCC: 54.72 (1st)
200m free
2006 AG: 2:00.18 (r)
2007: 2:00.39
2008 NC (summer): 2:00.15
2009 NG: 1:58.00
2009 NC (summer): 1:56.82 (1st, Jaked)
2010 NCC: 1:57.86 (1st)
2010 Barcelona: 1:57.64 (1st)
Bai Anqi (ZJ): 100 and 200m back
100m
2006 NCC: 1:02.42
2008 NC (winter): 1:02.69
2009 NG: 1:01.06 (sf)
2010 NCC: 1:01.26
200m
2006 AG: 2:12.63
2007 NCC: 2;15.21
2008 NC (winter): 2:11.62
2009 NCC: 2:09.79 (3rd)
2009 NG: 2:08.40 (2nd)
2009 EAG: 2:09.54 (silver)
2010 NCC: 2:08.82 (1st)
Liu Lan (GD): 100 and 200m fly
50m
2009 YAG: 27.33 (gold)
2010 NCC: 27.26
100m
2008 NCC: 1:01.65 (h)
2009 YAG: 1:00.76 (Bronze)
2009 NG: 58.88 (sf)
2010 NCC: 59.30
200m
2008 NC (summer): 2:15.50 (h)
2009 YAG: 2:14.13 (gold)
2009 NG: 2:10.27
2009 NCC: 2:09.32
2010 NCC: 2:11.13
2010 PG: 2:10.21
Wang Chang (HLJ): 100 and 200m breaststroke
50m:
2009 YAG: 31.80 (gold)
100m
2008 NCC: 1:11.74 (h)
2009 NC (spring): 1:10.77
2009 YAG: 1:12.37 (Bronze)
2009 NG: 1:11.13 (h)
200m
2008 NC (winter): 2:37.12
2009 YAG: 2:36.38 (Bronze)
2009 NG: 2:40.08
Wang Ximing (BJ): 100m breastroke
50m: 29.28
100m:
2008 NC (spring): 1:08.48 (h)
2009 NG: 1:03.83 (h)
2009 YAG: 1:04.45 (gold)
Dai Jun (SH): 200 and 400m free
200m
2008 NC (winter): 1:54.06
2009 NG: 1:49.23 (sf)
2010 NCC: 1:50.02
400m
2008 NC (summer): 3:57.52
2009 NG: 3:48.59 (3rd)
2010 NCC: 3:48.46 (2nd)
1500m free
2008 NC (winter): 15:24.83
2009 NCC: 15:08.45
2009 NG: 14:59.25 (2nd)
2010 NCC: 15:06.17 (2nd)
Sun Bowei (HeN): 50 and 100m fly
100m
2008 NC: 56.14 (sf)
2009 NG: 53.86
2010 NCC: 54.06
He Jianbin (GD): 50 and 100m free and 100m back
50m free
2010 Barcelona: 23.27
100m free
2008 NCC: 51.19 (h)
2009 NG: 50.16
2010 NCC: 50.62
100m back
2008 NC (summer): 57.03
2009 NCC: 55.69 (3rd)
2009 NG: 55.42 (3rd), 55.31 (h), 54.95 (r)
2009 WC: 55.24 (h)
2010 AC: 54.84 (gold)
2010 NCC: 55.39 (2nd)
2010 Monaco: 56.28
Tang Yi (SH): 50, 100 and 200m free
50m free
2009 NCC: 25.33
2009 NG: 24.81
2009 EAG: 25.49 (silver)
2010 NCC: 25.62 (3rd)
100m free
2008 NC (winter): 55.80
2007 CG: 55.41
2008 NC (summer): 54.82
2009 NCC: 54.88
2009 NG: 53.88 (3rd)
2009 EAG: 54.82 (silver)
2010 NCC: 54.72 (1st)
200m free
2006 AG: 2:00.18 (r)
2007: 2:00.39
2008 NC (summer): 2:00.15
2009 NG: 1:58.00
2009 NC (summer): 1:56.82 (1st, Jaked)
2010 NCC: 1:57.86 (1st)
2010 Barcelona: 1:57.64 (1st)
Bai Anqi (ZJ): 100 and 200m back
100m
2006 NCC: 1:02.42
2008 NC (winter): 1:02.69
2009 NG: 1:01.06 (sf)
2010 NCC: 1:01.26
200m
2006 AG: 2:12.63
2007 NCC: 2;15.21
2008 NC (winter): 2:11.62
2009 NCC: 2:09.79 (3rd)
2009 NG: 2:08.40 (2nd)
2009 EAG: 2:09.54 (silver)
2010 NCC: 2:08.82 (1st)
Liu Lan (GD): 100 and 200m fly
50m
2009 YAG: 27.33 (gold)
2010 NCC: 27.26
100m
2008 NCC: 1:01.65 (h)
2009 YAG: 1:00.76 (Bronze)
2009 NG: 58.88 (sf)
2010 NCC: 59.30
200m
2008 NC (summer): 2:15.50 (h)
2009 YAG: 2:14.13 (gold)
2009 NG: 2:10.27
2009 NCC: 2:09.32
2010 NCC: 2:11.13
2010 PG: 2:10.21
Wang Chang (HLJ): 100 and 200m breaststroke
50m:
2009 YAG: 31.80 (gold)
100m
2008 NCC: 1:11.74 (h)
2009 NC (spring): 1:10.77
2009 YAG: 1:12.37 (Bronze)
2009 NG: 1:11.13 (h)
200m
2008 NC (winter): 2:37.12
2009 YAG: 2:36.38 (Bronze)
2009 NG: 2:40.08
Wang Ximing (BJ): 100m breastroke
50m: 29.28
100m:
2008 NC (spring): 1:08.48 (h)
2009 NG: 1:03.83 (h)
2009 YAG: 1:04.45 (gold)
Dai Jun (SH): 200 and 400m free
200m
2008 NC (winter): 1:54.06
2009 NG: 1:49.23 (sf)
2010 NCC: 1:50.02
400m
2008 NC (summer): 3:57.52
2009 NG: 3:48.59 (3rd)
2010 NCC: 3:48.46 (2nd)
1500m free
2008 NC (winter): 15:24.83
2009 NCC: 15:08.45
2009 NG: 14:59.25 (2nd)
2010 NCC: 15:06.17 (2nd)
Sun Bowei (HeN): 50 and 100m fly
100m
2008 NC: 56.14 (sf)
2009 NG: 53.86
2010 NCC: 54.06
He Jianbin (GD): 50 and 100m free and 100m back
50m free
2010 Barcelona: 23.27
100m free
2008 NCC: 51.19 (h)
2009 NG: 50.16
2010 NCC: 50.62
100m back
2008 NC (summer): 57.03
2009 NCC: 55.69 (3rd)
2009 NG: 55.42 (3rd), 55.31 (h), 54.95 (r)
2009 WC: 55.24 (h)
2010 AC: 54.84 (gold)
2010 NCC: 55.39 (2nd)
2010 Monaco: 56.28
Sunday, July 18, 2010
National youth athletics championships: Wrapped up
In the final day of the competition, Lu Shangbin from Jiangsu completed a 100m (10.62s, on day 1)/200m (20.99, +0.6m/s) double win. Last month, Lu won the men's 200m in the National Grand Prix final with a pb of 20.74s when competiting with the seniors. On the youth level, he is apparently invincible beating the closest opponent by almost 0.7s. Teng Haining who set the domestic lead in men's 800m in the heat won the final in 1:50.12 without any resistance. Later, he won 1500m in group 1 in 3:54.80 but was exceeded by the group 2 winner, Jiang Jianxiao from Gansu province by 0.36s. On the women's side, Lu Yumei from Jiangsu won 200m in 24.31s. Notable results came from women's javelin when He Daixian from Hunan and Jin Pingping from Tianjin finished top 2 with a pair of tight throws of 50.75m and 50.20m, respectively.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Chinese Youth Athletics championships (Day1 and 2)
Some fine results from the National Youth (16-17yo ) Athletics championships. Chu Pengfei from Heilongjiang had a strong showing with a 13.25s in 110m hurdle (0.914m), winning over another promising youngster from Shanghai, Lu Jiateng. Teng Haining who has won the heat in men's 1500m on day 1 won another heat in 800m with a Chinese domestic lead, 1:50.07, better than previous mark 1:50.08.
W100m, +0.4m/s
Ye Jiabei (Zhejiang) 11.75
W100m H
Wang Dou (Jiangsu) 13.56
M110m H (0.914m), -0.4m/s
Chu Pengfei (Heilongjiang) 13.25 (13.31h, +0.3m/s)
Lu Jiateng (Shanghai) 13.43
Chen Shuyan (Jiangsu) 13.53
M800m heat
Teng Haining (Liaoning) 1:50.07 (Chinese domestic lead)
WDT
Gu Siyu (Army) 53.17m
W100m, +0.4m/s
Ye Jiabei (Zhejiang) 11.75
W100m H
Wang Dou (Jiangsu) 13.56
M110m H (0.914m), -0.4m/s
Chu Pengfei (Heilongjiang) 13.25 (13.31h, +0.3m/s)
Lu Jiateng (Shanghai) 13.43
Chen Shuyan (Jiangsu) 13.53
M800m heat
Teng Haining (Liaoning) 1:50.07 (Chinese domestic lead)
WDT
Gu Siyu (Army) 53.17m
Monday, July 12, 2010
Hao Yun produced 15:18 in Los Angeles US GP
A relatively unknown 15-year-old youngster Hao Yun from Hebei swam a 15:18.75 in men's 1500m free on Jul 11 in the US Grand Prix held in Los Angeles. He also placed third in the competition behind sub-15 swimmer, Cohrane from Canada. He could be another promising long distance free swimmer from China after Zhang Lin and Sun Yang. Hao could be representing the 1st Youth Olympics in August since he was selected in the 2009 Youth Olympics training camp. Jiao Liuyang and Chen Yin were both in action too with 2 wins in their pet events, women and men's 200m fly in 2:08.40 and 1:56.93 on Jul 10, respectively. Wu Peng who is training in US, was not seen in this meet.
Some fine swimming results produced in 13th Guangdong Provincial Games 2010
Some fine results in swimming event from 13th Guangdong provincial Games
Jul9
Women A 400m IM
Xue Jiao 4:47.90 (Xue is National Champion in 2009)
Women A 200m butterfly
Sun Mengyue 2:08.66
Liu Lan 2:10.21 (Liu is top 8 in China in this event)
Jul10
Women A 200m breaststroke
Li Qing 2:28.69
Women A 100m butterfly
Liu Lan 59.41
Sun Mengyue 59.55
Jul 11
Women A 200m IM
Xue Jiao 2:14.72
Jul9
Women A 400m IM
Xue Jiao 4:47.90 (Xue is National Champion in 2009)
Women A 200m butterfly
Sun Mengyue 2:08.66
Liu Lan 2:10.21 (Liu is top 8 in China in this event)
Jul10
Women A 200m breaststroke
Li Qing 2:28.69
Women A 100m butterfly
Liu Lan 59.41
Sun Mengyue 59.55
Jul 11
Women A 200m IM
Xue Jiao 2:14.72
Sunday, July 04, 2010
My top event-by-event athletes in Chinese track and field from 2000-2010
It comes to 2010 and it's time to select my top athletes in Chinese track and field. I don't want to just pick 10 top athletes but would rather select fine athletes event-by-event who has impact in the domestic or even international scene. Definitely, international meet results are taken into main consideration. If there is not, like those men's long distance running, I will choose those who have been dominating in the domestic competitions. Here you go:
Men
100m: Chen Haijian, Hu Kai, Zhang Peimeng
200m: Yang Yaozu, Xu Zizhou
400m: Xu Zizhou, Liu Xiaosheng, Wang Liangyu
800m: Li Xiangyu, Li Huiquan (ban)
1500m: Dou Zhaobo, Gu Ming, Yang Weizhe
5000m: Dou Zhaobo, Lin Xiangqian
10000m: Ren Longyuan
3000m SC: Lin Xiangqian, Sun Wenyong
Marathon: Ren Longyuan, Han Gang
110m H: Liu Xiang, Shi Dongpeng
400m H: Meng Yan, Zhang Shibao
HJ: Huang Haiqiang, Zhang Shufeng
PV: Liu Feiliang, Yang Yansheng, Zhang Hongwei
TJ: Li Yanxi, Zhu Shujing, Gu Junjie
LJ: Li Jinzhe, Xu Xiongfeng, Zhang Xiaoyi, Zhou Can, Li Runrun
SP: Zhang Jun, Zhang Qi
JT: Li Rongxiang, Chen Qi, Qin Qiang
DT: Li Shaojie, Wu Tao
HT: Ma Liang, Ye Kuigang
Dec: Qi Haifeng
20km walk: Wang Hao, Zhu Hongjun, Yu Chaohong
50km walk: Han Yucheng, Yu Chaohong, Zhao Chengliang
Men
100m: Chen Haijian, Hu Kai, Zhang Peimeng
200m: Yang Yaozu, Xu Zizhou
400m: Xu Zizhou, Liu Xiaosheng, Wang Liangyu
800m: Li Xiangyu, Li Huiquan (ban)
1500m: Dou Zhaobo, Gu Ming, Yang Weizhe
5000m: Dou Zhaobo, Lin Xiangqian
10000m: Ren Longyuan
3000m SC: Lin Xiangqian, Sun Wenyong
Marathon: Ren Longyuan, Han Gang
110m H: Liu Xiang, Shi Dongpeng
400m H: Meng Yan, Zhang Shibao
HJ: Huang Haiqiang, Zhang Shufeng
PV: Liu Feiliang, Yang Yansheng, Zhang Hongwei
TJ: Li Yanxi, Zhu Shujing, Gu Junjie
LJ: Li Jinzhe, Xu Xiongfeng, Zhang Xiaoyi, Zhou Can, Li Runrun
SP: Zhang Jun, Zhang Qi
JT: Li Rongxiang, Chen Qi, Qin Qiang
DT: Li Shaojie, Wu Tao
HT: Ma Liang, Ye Kuigang
Dec: Qi Haifeng
20km walk: Wang Hao, Zhu Hongjun, Yu Chaohong
50km walk: Han Yucheng, Yu Chaohong, Zhao Chengliang
Li Jinzhe 8.29m in Eugene, Lu Minjia at 6.79m, both wind-aided.
Asian champion, Li Jinzhe from Beijing leapt a wind-aided 8.29m in Eugene 2 days ago while 17-year-old Lu Minjia from Zhejiang had a wind-aided jump (2.2m/s) of 6.79m last month in Chaoqing. Both backed up with strong performances from last year. Li was at 8.01m in World Champs, 8.18m in National Games, 8.08m in Asian Champs while Lu at 6.74m in National Games. Men's long jump looks bright for China to regain Asian Games title since 1994. In Eugene, Li also had a legal 8.12m jump equalling the Asian best this year set by another Chinese, Yu Zhenwei. Backed with Su Xiongfeng who set an Asian Indoor record of 8.27m this year and already a 8m+ performer outdoor in this season, Chinese men's long jump has been reviving. Women side also looks improving: 3-4 jumpers have been on 6.50m this year which appears far better than the previous years.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Li Yanfeng on 65.20m
After sending a world no. 1 in women's discus throw (66.40m) last year in national Games, Li Yanfeng from Heilongjiang has shown good form by throwing 65.20m yesterday in Suzhou national GP.
Chinese nationals: Day 2 final
W100m free
In the absence of Li Zheshi from Liaoning and big sister, Pang Jiaying who skipped the final, Tang Yi dominated the field in the 100m free final and swam the only sub-55s time (54.72). Without sprinters Li and Wang Junyao in the team, Wang Shijia helped Liaoning gain one more silver. 400m medley bronze medalist, Ye Shiwen took bronze with 55.38. The time is considered slow, partly due to the change of the swimsuit. Same happened in Australia when only Seebhom got below 55s (54.70) in the nationals. Pang has been nuturing her injuries in lower back after National Games and only started training in January. When asked about retirement like those who are as old as her, she replied that she is still at the peak of her career, based on her recent results and she wants to contribute more for both the provincial team and the national team. She said she won't consider retirement unless the younger generation is reliable to pass her baton over.
1. Tang Yi (Shanghai) 54.72
2. Wang Shijia (Liaoning) 55.20
3. Ye Shiwen (Zhejiang) 55.38
M400m IM
NR holder, 18 yo Huang Chaosheng won in 4:14.25, current 3rd best time this year. It's a repeat of National Games that both men and women 400m IM were won by Hunan swimmers. Li Xuexu just blasted a World no. 1 time on the 1st day and now Huang won again. Huang was about 1.5 second slower than his NR. National Games 3rd and 4th placer, Li Xiang and Wang Chengxiang switched places but both swam way slower than the times they swam in National games (4:15.74 and 4:16.42, respectively).
1. Huang Chaosheng (Hunan) 4:14.25
2. Wang Chengxiang (Shandong) 4:18.48
3. Li Xiang (Tianjin) 4:20.17
W50m fly
Jiao Liuyang has no challenge in China with a easy win at 26.52s.
1. Jiao Liuyang (Guangzhou army) 26.52
2. Lin Shuyuan (Zhejiang) 26.80
3. Guo Fan (Heilongjiang) 26.94
M50m free
A tight competition here with all top 3 were separated within 0.1s. 2nd in the heat, Zhou Jiawei was injuried her ankle on the block and finished last. The final champion is Shi Tengfei, who won in 22.80. After race, he felt lucky to win since 100m is more his main event. All the top three from the National Games last year were not able to finish top three here (Cai Li, You Tianyu and Huang Shaohua). The times are comparatively slow but normal, compared with the pre-plastic suit era.
1. Shi Tengfei (Beijing) 22.80
2. Lu Zhiwu (Zhejiang) 22.82
3. Shi Yang (Shanghai) 22.89
M 4x200m free
Shanghai, once again, won the event after winning national game title.
1. Shanghai 7:21.74
2. Tianjin 7:24.42
3. Liaoning 7:33.92
W800m free
Li Xuanxu blasted out another top time with 8:24.10, 3rd in the world this year and her pb. It was her 3rd season at 8:24 and 4th season of sub-8:30 The 2nd swimmer behind Li was Zhou Lili who was more than 10s back. Li Limeng was at 8:29 last year and was at 8:37 this time. In the interview, she did not seem to care too much about the ranking she has achieved thus far and Chinese media had a hard time to get any words from Li, who wears a skin head. She said she was sick before the meets and only ok with her own performance.
1. Li Xuanxu (HUnan) 8:24.10
2. Zhou Lili (Shanghai) 8:35.32
3. Li Limeng (Tianjin) 8:37.16
In the absence of Li Zheshi from Liaoning and big sister, Pang Jiaying who skipped the final, Tang Yi dominated the field in the 100m free final and swam the only sub-55s time (54.72). Without sprinters Li and Wang Junyao in the team, Wang Shijia helped Liaoning gain one more silver. 400m medley bronze medalist, Ye Shiwen took bronze with 55.38. The time is considered slow, partly due to the change of the swimsuit. Same happened in Australia when only Seebhom got below 55s (54.70) in the nationals. Pang has been nuturing her injuries in lower back after National Games and only started training in January. When asked about retirement like those who are as old as her, she replied that she is still at the peak of her career, based on her recent results and she wants to contribute more for both the provincial team and the national team. She said she won't consider retirement unless the younger generation is reliable to pass her baton over.
1. Tang Yi (Shanghai) 54.72
2. Wang Shijia (Liaoning) 55.20
3. Ye Shiwen (Zhejiang) 55.38
M400m IM
NR holder, 18 yo Huang Chaosheng won in 4:14.25, current 3rd best time this year. It's a repeat of National Games that both men and women 400m IM were won by Hunan swimmers. Li Xuexu just blasted a World no. 1 time on the 1st day and now Huang won again. Huang was about 1.5 second slower than his NR. National Games 3rd and 4th placer, Li Xiang and Wang Chengxiang switched places but both swam way slower than the times they swam in National games (4:15.74 and 4:16.42, respectively).
1. Huang Chaosheng (Hunan) 4:14.25
2. Wang Chengxiang (Shandong) 4:18.48
3. Li Xiang (Tianjin) 4:20.17
W50m fly
Jiao Liuyang has no challenge in China with a easy win at 26.52s.
1. Jiao Liuyang (Guangzhou army) 26.52
2. Lin Shuyuan (Zhejiang) 26.80
3. Guo Fan (Heilongjiang) 26.94
M50m free
A tight competition here with all top 3 were separated within 0.1s. 2nd in the heat, Zhou Jiawei was injuried her ankle on the block and finished last. The final champion is Shi Tengfei, who won in 22.80. After race, he felt lucky to win since 100m is more his main event. All the top three from the National Games last year were not able to finish top three here (Cai Li, You Tianyu and Huang Shaohua). The times are comparatively slow but normal, compared with the pre-plastic suit era.
1. Shi Tengfei (Beijing) 22.80
2. Lu Zhiwu (Zhejiang) 22.82
3. Shi Yang (Shanghai) 22.89
M 4x200m free
Shanghai, once again, won the event after winning national game title.
1. Shanghai 7:21.74
2. Tianjin 7:24.42
3. Liaoning 7:33.92
W800m free
Li Xuanxu blasted out another top time with 8:24.10, 3rd in the world this year and her pb. It was her 3rd season at 8:24 and 4th season of sub-8:30 The 2nd swimmer behind Li was Zhou Lili who was more than 10s back. Li Limeng was at 8:29 last year and was at 8:37 this time. In the interview, she did not seem to care too much about the ranking she has achieved thus far and Chinese media had a hard time to get any words from Li, who wears a skin head. She said she was sick before the meets and only ok with her own performance.
1. Li Xuanxu (HUnan) 8:24.10
2. Zhou Lili (Shanghai) 8:35.32
3. Li Limeng (Tianjin) 8:37.16
Friday, April 23, 2010
Chinese nationals: Day 2 morning heats
Morning heats
W100m free
Zhejiang rising star, 14-year-old Ye Shiwen (born in March 01, 1996), qualified 1st in 100m free after finishing 3rd in 400m IM last night. Both Tang Yi and Pang Jiaying also qualified. Formerly known from Shanxi province and now representing Liaoning, Wang Shijia also did what as expected to capture the 3rd spot.
1. Ye Shiwen (Zhejiang) 55.63
2. Tang Yi (Shanghai) 55.68
3. Wang Shijia (Liaoning) 55.72
7. Pang Jiaying (Shanghai) 56.48
M400m IM
National Games champion and NR holder, Huang Chaosheng topped in the heats with a moderate 4:21.37. National Games 3rd and 4th place moved up to 2nd and 3rd spot in the absence of the former NR holder, Liu Weijia from Liaoning.
1. Huang Chaosheng (Hunan) 4:21.37
2. Li Xiang (Tianjin) 4:22.55
3. Wang Chengxiang (Shandong) 4:22.87
W50m fly
Little known Liu Shuyuan captured the lane 4 in the final tonight with 27.25. Fast improver Guo Fan from the far north came in 2nd and Asian youth games champion, Liu Lan was 3rd. Jiao Liuyang won 200m fly in the opening night and did not go as fast.
1. Lin Shuyuan (Zhejiang) 27.25
2. Guo Fan (Heilongjiang) 27.38
3. Liu Lan (Guangdong) 27.48
4. Jiao Liuyang (Guangzhou army/Heilongjiang) 27.50
M50m free
Most of the top free sprinters in China qualified for the final with Shi swimming lane 4 tonight in 22.91, the only sub-23s this morning. Zhou Jiawei has not been swimming this event for a long time and qualified for the 2nd spot. Surprisingly, National Games champion, Cai Li and NR holder Lu Zhiwu were not in top 3.
1. Shi Yang (Shanghai) 22.91
2. Zhou Jiawei (Guangdong) 23.03
3. Lu Zhiwu (Zhejiang) 23.09
M4x200m free
1. Shandong 7:38.84
2. Tianjin 7:39.71
3. Liaoning 7:39.91
W100m free
Zhejiang rising star, 14-year-old Ye Shiwen (born in March 01, 1996), qualified 1st in 100m free after finishing 3rd in 400m IM last night. Both Tang Yi and Pang Jiaying also qualified. Formerly known from Shanxi province and now representing Liaoning, Wang Shijia also did what as expected to capture the 3rd spot.
1. Ye Shiwen (Zhejiang) 55.63
2. Tang Yi (Shanghai) 55.68
3. Wang Shijia (Liaoning) 55.72
7. Pang Jiaying (Shanghai) 56.48
M400m IM
National Games champion and NR holder, Huang Chaosheng topped in the heats with a moderate 4:21.37. National Games 3rd and 4th place moved up to 2nd and 3rd spot in the absence of the former NR holder, Liu Weijia from Liaoning.
1. Huang Chaosheng (Hunan) 4:21.37
2. Li Xiang (Tianjin) 4:22.55
3. Wang Chengxiang (Shandong) 4:22.87
W50m fly
Little known Liu Shuyuan captured the lane 4 in the final tonight with 27.25. Fast improver Guo Fan from the far north came in 2nd and Asian youth games champion, Liu Lan was 3rd. Jiao Liuyang won 200m fly in the opening night and did not go as fast.
1. Lin Shuyuan (Zhejiang) 27.25
2. Guo Fan (Heilongjiang) 27.38
3. Liu Lan (Guangdong) 27.48
4. Jiao Liuyang (Guangzhou army/Heilongjiang) 27.50
M50m free
Most of the top free sprinters in China qualified for the final with Shi swimming lane 4 tonight in 22.91, the only sub-23s this morning. Zhou Jiawei has not been swimming this event for a long time and qualified for the 2nd spot. Surprisingly, National Games champion, Cai Li and NR holder Lu Zhiwu were not in top 3.
1. Shi Yang (Shanghai) 22.91
2. Zhou Jiawei (Guangdong) 23.03
3. Lu Zhiwu (Zhejiang) 23.09
M4x200m free
1. Shandong 7:38.84
2. Tianjin 7:39.71
3. Liaoning 7:39.91
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Chinese Nationals: Day 1
W50m breaststroke
Reigning champion and Asian record holder Chen Huijia (30.46) from Zhejiang (same as Luo Xuejuan) won the event easily. Another rising star from Navy after Qi Hui, Zhang Hongtao was 2nd and 1:07 swimmer in 100m breaststrok, Liu Xiaoyu took bronze. Surprisingly, Shanghai beauty, Ji Liping, who normally does well in the sprinting, was not in the top 3. Not sure if she is in the race.
Ji Liping (Shanghai)
1. Chen Huijia (Zhejiang) 31.21
2. Zhang Hongtao (Navy) 31.68 (31.47p)
3. Liu Xianyu (Liaoning) 31.76
M200m free
Undoubtly, Zhang Lin is unchallenged in China. Jiang Haiqi regains his momentum to place 2nd after losing out the podium in the national games. Zhang Enjian, also gradually regains his peak 1:48 form from 2007 and took 3rd.
1. Zhang Lin (Beijing) 1:47.54 (1:49.26p)
2. Jiang Haiqi (Shanghai) 1:49.25 (1:51.26p)
3. Zhang Enjian (Tianjin) 1:49.61 (1:51.20p)
M100m back
Almost a repeat of the podium positions from last year meet. Reigning champion, Cheng Feiyi who won at 54.99 last year, captured the title again at 55.24. Asian champion in this event, He Jianbin, placed 3rd. Diao Jigong, 200m back champion last year, took 2nd.
1. Cheng Feiyi (Liaoning) 55.24
2. Diao Jigong (Navy) 55.39
3. He Jianbin (Guangdong) 55.67
Huang Liang (Navy) 56.15p
M100m breaststroke
NR holder Zhang Guoying (1:01.15 in 2009) and 1:01.2 swimmer Wang Shuai once again had another clash after a series of head-to-head competitions last year (World championships, national games, East Asian Games and Asian Championships) and Wang won by 0.17s this time. Lai Zhongjian, a 2004 Olympic and world championship semifinalist and a former 200m breaststroke NR holder, took 3rd with a pb of 1:02.02.
1. Wang Shuai (Beijing) 1:01.77
2. Zhang Guoying (Guangdong) 1:01.94
3. Lai Zhongjian (Navy/Guangxi) 1:02.02 (1:02.14p)
W200m fly
There seems to be no effect on Jiao Liuyang after the plastic suit took off when she won her pet event at 2:5.46, similar to what she did last year. Liu Zige was not in the race. National Games 3rd placer, Gong Jie, who trains with Jiao in the same team, got 2nd and Hebei's Ha Sinan also performed consistently and did a fine time of 2:9.55. After the race, Jiao said her body is not considered "a very heavy type" so the plastic suit would not do much effect on her.
1. Jiao Liuyang (Guangzhou army/Heilongjiang) 2:5.46 (2:11.91p)
2. Gong Jie (Guangzhou army) 2:8.12 (2:10.24p)
3. Ha Sinan (Hebei) 2:9.55
4. Deng Biying (Hubei) 2:9.73
M100m fly
Zhou Jiawei pulled out last year due to a back injury but won today at a fine 52.61, compared with NR at 51.24 last year. This could be his last season of his career. He wants to qualify for Asian Games which holds in his home province, Guangdong. 200m fly specialist, Chen Yin, also a world championships finalist in 2007, placed 2nd and National Game 3rd placer in 200m fly, Chen Weiwu, was third. 2008 Olympic semifinalist, Shi Feng, only took 6th.
1. Zhou Jiawei (Guangdong) 52.61
2. Chen Yin (Hebei) 53.44
3. Chen Weiwu (Shandong) 53.66
6. Shi Feng (Shanghai) 54.33
Sun Bowei (Henan) 54.24p
W400m IM
Asian record holder, 16-year-old, Li Xuanxu, is still in the top form who won at 4:34.59, faster than the former non-plastic suit Area record set by Chen Yan in 1997 (4:34.79). Having been a double Olympic finalist in 2008 (400m IM and 800m free), Li has been a consistent sub 4-40 swimmer since 2007 but she had only raced in 2 international meets so far (Olympics 2008 and Japan Open 2007). The level of competition is really high this time when all top 3 swam below 4:38. Zhejiang seems to do much better in the IM events with 2 swimmers in the top 3.
1. Li Xuanxu (Hunan) 4:34.59
2. Zheng Rongrong (Zhejiang) 4:37.68
3. Ye Shiwen (Zhejiang) 4:37.97 (4:42.03p)
W100m back
A repeat of medalists from National Game but the champion switched to Gao Chang who scored a sizzling 55.6-55.7 in shortcourse in Japan open earlier in Feb. Zhao Jing, Asian record holder at 58.96, just had an nasal operation not very long ago. It is expected not to have a fast time in this meet since she is in the midst of recovering. Zhou Yanxin, also a sub 1:00 swimmer, was a distant 3rd.
1. Gao Chang (Shandong) 59.69
2. Zhao Jing (Hubei) 1:00.06 (1:1.46p)
3. Zhou Yanxin (Shanghai) 1:00.98
W4x200m free
After retirement of Xu Yanwei and Zhu Yingwen, both core members in the national team over years, Shanghai 4x200m team does not seem to be affected much with new blood like Tang Yi and Zhu Qianwei who are already at 1:56-1:57 and veteran Pang, Asian holder at 1:55.05.
1. Shanghai (Tang Yi, Lu Ying, Zhu Qianwei, Pang Jiaying) 8:01.88
2. Shandong 8:03.90
3. Beijing 8:05.50
M4x100m free
1. Guangdong 3:21.71
2. Jiangsu 3:24.43
3. Zhejiang 3:24.50
Retired swimmers after national games
Women's free
Zhu Yingwen
Yang Yu
Women's breaststroke
Qi Hui
Women's backsroke
Zhan Shu
Women's fly
Zhou Yafei
Men's IM
Zhao Tao
Zhu Yingwen
Yang Yu
Women's breaststroke
Qi Hui
Women's backsroke
Zhan Shu
Women's fly
Zhou Yafei
Men's IM
Zhao Tao
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