Report No. 3 from the 2025 National Youth Swimming U-Series Competition: Liu Yichen: "Sweat Matters More Than Talent"
The 2025 National Youth Swimming U-SeriesThanRaceIn the Zaozhuang competition during the first half of the year, Liu Yichen brokeU13-14 Age Group200-meter backstroke2:16.99), 400m freestyle (4:27.98The tournament ofRecord-breaking performance, with a 200-meter backstroke time reaching the elite level, setting him/her apart from the rest.From early childhoodThe athlete was selected for the city team, and later became a key member of the provincial team.Team member, and then among teenagersBreaking the tournament record in the U-series competition, Liu Yichen has written a remarkable story of growth through her hard work and perseverance.
Liu Yichen, born in 2012, first discovered her passion for swimming by chance.OneBy chance.At the age of four and a half, the Xuzhou City swimming team visited the kindergarten to scout for talent, and she stood out due to her exceptional physical abilities.ConditionsShe was instantly spotted by the coach. From that moment on, the swimming pool became her…“Second Home.” Recalling her childhood training, she openly admits："At first, it just seemed fun—but later I realized this is a path that requires grit and perseverance."
May 2023 was a significant month for Liu Yichen.Life milestones:She joined the Jiangsu Provincial Swimming Team's Changzhou training center.The head coach is the renowned coach Ye Jin, and the assistant coach is Zhang Tingzhi.At that time, those who joined the team together includedOut of 6 people, only 3 ultimately remained., and inside it isLiu YichenPhysical condition isn't the most outstanding.SheWith a relentless training spirit, clear goals, and exceptional teamwork with her coach, she has steadily emerged as a rising star and has been placed firmly in the coach's spotlight.Team member
After joining the provincial team, Liu Yichen trained even harder, constantly pushing herself to her limits. Finally, she managed to…2025 Youth U-Series Swimming ChampionshipsZaozhuang StationMeanwhile, she experienced her own moment of glory.：In the women's categoryIn the U13-14 age group competition, she broke the meet record in the 200m backstroke, clocking a time of 2:16.99.AndWith a time of 4:27.98, she shattered the meet record in the 400-meter freestyle and instantly became the center of attention on the pool deck.
Talking about 2025TeenagersU-SeriesSwimming is better thanRaceChinaLiu Yichen highlighted one detail regarding the breakthrough: the low temperatures at the venue made it difficult for the body to function optimally.Insulation,"Due to environmental factorsOfImpact,Without timely and effective response,Actually, you could swim even better."This clarity stems from her disciplined training diary, which she’s kept for years."After each matchThe post-match summary,“Failure teaches me more than success ever could.” As the coach rightly said,Zhang TingzhiShe said, her successIt's not by chance, but ratherDriven by her full commitment in every training session and her meticulous approach to post-match analysis, she has demonstrated through her actions“Sweat is more important than talent.”
During the land training session, coach Zhang Tingzhi provides guidance to Liu Yichen.
Zhang TingzhiCoaching teamHighly emphasizing the effective utilization of advanced equipment,Through advanced equipment and data analysis, forTeam memberProvides trainingScienceGuidance. Heart rate strapIsLiu Yichen during training"Personal Fitness Assistant"—she wears a heart rate monitor every day during her workouts. This device provides real-time insights into her training status, allowing Zhang Tingzhi to adjust her exercise intensity and pace effectively based on the heart rate data.AndTargetingSpecial Characteristics of BackstrokeConduct targeted training.
ZhangThe coach also uses an underwater camera to capture and analyze her swimming technique. By watching slow-motion replays, Liu Yichen can clearly identify her technical flaws during the swim—and then work specifically to correct them.With these auxiliary training tools,TrainingJust likeInstalled“Navigation system,” enabling a more precise grasp of technical details.
China's swimming legend Zhang Yufei is Liu Yichen's idol.2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, Zhang Yufei is competingPreviously, the fever reached39℃Under the circumstancesStill determined to compete, and brokeWoman50-meter freestyleAchieving the tournament recordChampion2024 Paris Olympics Women's 200m Butterfly FinalZhang YufeiDespite feeling unwell, she gritted her teeth and persevered, ultimately clinching the bronze medal. Zhang Yufei’s unwavering determination to never give up on the field deeply inspired Liu Yichen.HerThese achievementsAlsoHelp Liu Yichen understand that true strength lies not only in exceptional skills but also in an unwavering, resilient spirit.
Whenever Liu Yichen feels tired during training and wants to give up, she remembers Zhang Yufei’s relentless fighting spirit, instantly filling her heart with renewed strength."Idols taught me that true victory isn’t just about standing on the podium—it’s about staying committed to the passion you love," said Liu Yichen.
On the path to pursuing her swimming dream, Liu Yichen faces challenges that every student-athlete encounters.— How to Balance Academics and Training. Liu Yichen currently attends Xuzhou No. 31 Middle School. For her, classroom time is especially precious—she has to stay fully focused and absorb every bit of knowledge, since after-school hours will be entirely devoted to training. 4:30 p.m.，Liu Yichen’s grandfather is already waiting at the school gate to pick her up and take her to the swimming pool for training. To save time, Grandpa brings dinner in the car, and Liu Yichen quickly finishes it in the vehicle on the way to the pool.
CurrentlyTo prepare for the National Games, Liu Yichen has already started an intense training schedule of two sessions per day.TrainingPattern. Despite her busy training schedule, Liu Yichen has never relaxed her academic standards. After evening practice...Taking a cultural class,She uses her break time to review lessons and reinforce her learning. She also makes the most of fragmented moments by diving into some extracurricular books, expanding her knowledge even further.“I know that both studying and training are crucial, so I’ll do my best to strike a healthy balance between the two—making sure I don’t let training interfere with my academic responsibilities. After all, for an outstanding swimmer, only comprehensive development can help you go further in the long run.”
[Introduction to Coach Liu Yichen]Zhang Tingzhi, assistant coach for the Jiangsu Provincial Swimming Training Team and assistant to head coach Ye Jin, formerly the team doctor for the Navy Swimming and Diving Team. Currently responsible for athletes' daily training, technical data analysis, and medical care duties. Trained under the renowned coach Ye Jin, he has helped develop numerous champions who have excelled in national and provincial-level competitions.Coach Zhang Tingzhi's goal is to become even better.SwimmingCoach, nurturing more outstanding swimming talents for the nation.，Contribute to the development of China's swimming program.
Liu Yichen poses for a photo with coach Zhang Tingzhi after the match.
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