(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-10-04 16:37

Huang Li's father carries his daughter to the bank after she covered three kilometers in the Xiangjiang River on Tuesday. [Xiaoxiang Morning Herald]

"She stood out as a hero in a sports program of Hunan Cable TV last year by swimming continuously for nine hours, or nearly 14 km, in Lishui River."

The girl was also named after that river.

The girl said her idol is Zhang Jian, a teacher at Beijing's Sports University who made history in 2001 as the first Chinese swimmer to cross the English Channel.

But many bystanders questioned the parents' motive, saying Guiness was more a dream of their own.

"It's dangerous to swim with bound limbs," said a university student surnamed Gao. "What if she had muscle cramp and got drowned?"

"Her parents should realize they are abusing the child," said a mother of a nine-year-old girl.

Huang denied the accusation, saying he could ensure his daughter's safety.

"In fact, I've always wanted to find her a better coach but we don't have the money."

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