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Olympic athletes teach youngsters finer points of swimming

CCTV.com

12-25-2016 12:53 BJT

We hop in the pool now for the swimming challenge event held in the Chinese capital. Some of this country's top Olympic swimmers like Sun Yang would take part in what is being called the Chaoyang Challenge, a district here in Beijing, teaching youngsters about the finer points of swimming.

It's the fifth year the event is being held in the Chinese capital. Sun Yang, Shi Jinglin and Lu Ying are among the Olympians, trying to inspire the next generation of swimmers. They would compete with the young swimmers in the same pool, but the rules were modified to allow the novices a chance to win. Lin Yongqing, a member of the men's four by 100-meter freestyle relay team at the Rio Olympics, had to carry a ball between his legs during his race. 

"I saw their eyes light up in winning the race. I hope I can inspire these young swimmers, and instill a positive attitude into them," said Lu Ying, 2012 Olympic silver medalist-100m butterfly.

"I feel honored to compete with my idols. Beating them in race, makes me feel very confident about my chances to compete in the future," said 10-year-old swimmer Zhang Tianyi.

We mentioned Sun Yang's participation at the event, and the Olympian was given a  new title by being named captain of the Chinese national swim team. The 25-year-old, was honored with the appointment, and is looking to bounce back next year, after dealing with many injuries in 2016. 

"For my winter training schedule, I'll go to Kunming on January 2nd. Maybe I'll go overseas to train after the Spring Festival. Those details will be decided by the coaches. I have continued to train leading up to this winter session, but I was dealing with injuries, so I focused on my recovery. As of now, I will try and regain my top form," Sun Yang said.

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