Youngsters show power in pool at City Games
WUHAN, Central China: The quadrennial multi-sport City Games are considered to be a cradle for promising stars. This year, three talented young swimmers showed their potential at the sixth edition of the Games.
Li Xuanxu, 13, was the brightest star as she swept three gold medals with a world-class performance, including a result of 4:37.56 in the 400m individual medley. The result was the sixth-best in the world this year and would have earned her a silver at this year's world championships.
Li also grabbed the gold in the 200m individual medley and the 800m-freestyle, both in the top 15 of this year's results.
The youngster was even described as "the fastest 13-year-old in history" by a professional swimming website, which also said she seemed too inexperienced to make a splash at the Beijing Olympics.
"She was scared by frequent races and prone to be upset if she failed to make progress," Li's caoch Feng Zhen said.
Feng's other student, You Meihong, also made waves at the event after winning the 400m-freestyle with a result of 4:07.80, 11th-best in the world this year.
Judging from You's performance in the eight-lap event, the 14- year-old had a good chance of smashing the national record for the 800m-freestyle, but was only able to finish fourth in the race.
Li Zhesi declared herself to be the youngest champion in swimming at the City Games after claiming two titles in one morning.
On Monday, the final competition day, the 12-year-old helped team Shenyang triumph in the 4x100m medley relay right after she grabbed the gold in the 50m-freestyle.
"I love swimming and will spare no efforts in training and competition," Li Zhesi said firmly.
Xinhua
(China Daily 11/01/2007 page22)
