Search for sailing's Liu
QINGDAO: With the Qingdao International Regatta in full swing, all eyes are fixed to see if any Chinese sailor is capable of winning gold at next year's Olympics.
Such a feat in the most popular sailing event Laser would rival hurdler Liu Xiang's surprise gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, according to Chinese fleet leader Yao Xinpei.
"If a Chinese sailor can win an Olympic gold medal in Laser, what it means to China is no less than that of Liu Xiang," Yao said.
"Of all 11 events, Laser is the most popular around the world.
"It is also the most severe one in the Olympic sailing competition."
Liu Xiang became an Asian hero overnight in 2004 when he won gold in the 110m hurdles to break Western dominance of that event.
The question every local is asking in Qingdao is when will sailing's Liu Xiang step forward in Olympic test regatta.
Yao believes that decades may be the answer.
"The Westerners' position of strength in sailing comes from their centuries of achievements in navigation," he said.
"However, people's knowledge and affection of the ocean is totally different in China.
"Britain, which has a long nautical history, is powerful enough to make a sweep of 50 percent of all Olympic gold medals."
Yao said China's sailing was still in its infancy and unlikely to qualify for most Olympic events.
Except for windsurfing, Chinese competitors rank around or below the middle of the world rankings.
"Judging from our status quo, most probably, we are not able to get the tickets to the Olympics from the qualification regatta, in which only half of the countries can get qualified generally," he said.
But Yao regards the test regatta a great development opportunity to take part in all 11 events of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
"Of course, we are expected to get a gold medal in our home water, and we are trying our best", he said. "But we should take 2008 as a new start rather than an ultimate goal."
"If we can get the qualification for the 2012 Olympics, it would be a proof of great progress.
"That is our goal," he added.
Yao also listed three development goals essential for the future success of Chinese sailing.
First, to popularize sailing among teenagers through events like that currently under way in Qingdao, a city in which 1,000 children are learning how to sail thanks to boats donated by businesses.
Second, establish a better social atmosphere for sailing by encouraging greater participation.
Third, cultivate more world-class sailors via good results at big events, which will help stimulate the above.
ISAF President Goran Petersson advised at the 2007 Qingdao International Regatta that China could invite coaches from other countries like Britain to offer help.
"In the long run, it is definite that the Chinese fleet needs the instruction both from the domestic and overseas coaches," Yao said.
(China Daily 08/21/2007 page24)
