(Shaanxi National Games) Feature: The fallen "little leaves" start over

　　China News Service, Xi'an, September 22, report title: The fallen "little leaves" start over

　　China News Agency reporter Hu Jian

　　More than a month ago, in order to celebrate the success of the Chinese swimming team in Tokyo, Ye Shiwen deliberately dyed his hair golden.

The former "gifted girl" who missed Tokyo is also encouraging herself in this way to start all over again.

　　On the evening of the 22nd, in the women's 200-meter individual medley final of the Shaanxi National Games swimming venue, the London Olympic double champion Ye Shiwen swam in 2:10.51 and lost to the 16-year-old Yu Yiting by 0.39 seconds.

On the evening of September 19, the women's 4x200m medley relay final of the 14th National Games swimming event was held in Xi'an. The famous athlete Ye Shiwen helped Zhejiang team win the championship.

The picture shows Ye Shiwen (second from left) "tasting" the "taste" of the gold medal at the award ceremony.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Hou Yu

　　Back in time 9 years ago, the then 16-year-old Ye Shiwen broke the world record and the Olympic record in the 400m and 200m medley finals of the London Olympics. He was the youngest Olympic "double gold king" of the Chinese Army at that time.

　　After returning from London with honours, a spotlight lantern was placed on Ye Shiwen, who was a minor, and the nickname "Little Leaf" was also called at that time.

When all eyes were on the Barcelona World Championships in 2013, Ye Shiwen ranked fourth in the 200th team and seventh in the 400th team.

　　Since 2010, Ye Shiwen has won 11 times in the 200m medley at home and abroad, but this time he failed to win a medal.

Looking back, Ye Shiwen admitted that he had "fallen to the bottom".

　　2019 is a mixed year for Ye Shiwen.

At the Gwangju World Championships, Ye Shiwen won two silver medals in the 200-meter and 400-meter medleys. Her return to the pool and her dissatisfaction with the world record holder Huo Sizu made her decide to enter the winter training to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics.

　　Ye Shiwen is a "ruthless man".

During the winter training period, the explosive exercises at the start, the endurance training of the large muscles of the lower limbs, the 3000-meter run with the steel nail in the right ankle, a series of high-intensity physical training made Ye Shiwen feel strong muscle fatigue. "This time I feel tormented and even want to escape." Ye Shiwen once said.

　　In early May 2021, Ye Shiwen failed to reach the A mark in the Tokyo Olympic trials.

One month later, in the Olympic re-spot competition, Ye Shiwen missed the Tokyo Olympics due to physical problems.

At home, seeing the Chinese swimming team winning gold and silver in Tokyo, Ye Shiwen dyed her blond hair to celebrate.

　　In order to prepare for the Shaanxi National Games, Ye Shiwen started three months of meticulous training and practiced crying almost every day.

"The first two years of physical training have been relatively severe, and the muscles have been very tired. This time I reduced the frequency and intensity of my physical fitness, and focused on special items." Whenever Ye Shiwen wanted to give up, it was Wang Shun who gave it to her. Encourage.

　　On the evening of the 19th, on the first day of the National Games swimming competition, Ye Shiwen "stunning" debut.

Not only was her hair dyed golden, but she also staged a "recovery of a stick in 10 seconds" in the 4-times 200-meter medley relay on the first day of swimming, and led her team to win the relay championship.

　　After 3 days, Ye Shiwen returned from the familiar 200-meter mixed event. Although it was a silver medal, she believed that she had achieved 90% of the expected result.

"I am still very satisfied with this result. Facing the emerging young players, I hope they will bravely break through and don't be afraid of failure. When the grades are good, they should also look for problems with an humility. Swimming loses hope."

　　This will be Ye Shiwen's last National Games. After that, she will continue her studies and hope to participate in the Hangzhou Asian Games next year.

The future of the World Pool will be an opportunity for Yu Yiting and other young players to prove themselves, "I hope I can take over Sister Xiaoye’s class. Next, I will focus on winter training, prepare for the Asian Games next year, and prepare for Paris with enough confidence. Olympic Games." Yu Yiting said.

(over)