Zhang -- A Reluctant Hero
Source: Agencies |
August 1, 2009, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
ZHANG Lin, who became China's first male swimming world champion here in Rome, insists he has a long way to go before people can compare him with Olympic hurdler Liu Xiang.
Zhang obliterated the world record to win the men's 800 meters freestyle on Wednesday, a victory that prompted Chinese media to dub him the "Liu Xiang of the pool." Liu became China's first Olympic track champion in 2004 when he won the 110 hurdles gold.
"It's too flattering to be called that," Zhang told Titan Sports. "Liu was Olympic champion while I am not. I am still short of an Olympic gold compared to him."
Zhang said he was just focusing on his next event -- Sunday's 1,500m freestyle. "I am still myself. I won't change too much. I will just live normally and train hard," he said.
Zhang obliterated the world record to win the men's 800 meters freestyle on Wednesday, a victory that prompted Chinese media to dub him the "Liu Xiang of the pool." Liu became China's first Olympic track champion in 2004 when he won the 110 hurdles gold.
"It's too flattering to be called that," Zhang told Titan Sports. "Liu was Olympic champion while I am not. I am still short of an Olympic gold compared to him."
Zhang said he was just focusing on his next event -- Sunday's 1,500m freestyle. "I am still myself. I won't change too much. I will just live normally and train hard," he said.
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