OLYMPICS / Team China

History-making Chinese wrestler lets Olympic dream on

Xinhua
Updated: 2008-08-13 22:42

 

Chang has prepared for the Olympics for long.

He used to lose his temper during competition and training, which contributed to his ownership of no major titles.

He didn't usually like being disciplined by coaches, cared nothing about his body weight, and didn't bother to improve his endurance in training.

The talented wrestler, who was born in Hebei but recruited by the provincial team in adjacent Shanxi Province, was envied by others for his excellent physique to be a top athlete.

But in many eyes, Chang squandered his endowment and was even kicked out of the national team.

Upgrading his weight from 66kg to the 74kg category, Chang turned patient and decided to pay for his own training with his former colleagues.

He once asked team manager Zhai Youxian whether he might get a ride to the Beijing Olympics. Zhai responded to him that everything would be possible if he showed his ability.

The outsider of the national team then energize all his muscles for his dream of being one of the Olympic team.

He has worked hard since the dream was lighted up. He even controled his temper and often solicited advice from coaches and teammates. All his efforts paid dividends when he secure an Olympic berth by winning the Asian champion in March in South Korea.

The council of Hanbazhuang, the village where Chang was born, said before the Olympics Chang would be awarded 20,000 yuan (2,985 U.S. dollars), which is a hefty bonus from the village primarily relying on farming.

His father said over a phone interview he set off firecrackers celebrating his son's Olympic debut.

With a silver in hand, Chang said he would let the Olympic dream on.

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