China’s Zhang Yadong Steps Down as National Team Coach

BEIJING, China, February 25. AFTER a successful run at the head of China's national team, Zhang Yadong has elected to step down as the head coach of the national team in favor of taking a position as "vice president at a sports academy in the Zhejiang province," according to a China View report.

On top of being part of an extraordinary job of hosting the 2008 Beijing Games, Zhang also helped China to some impressive outings in the past four years. China finished the 2008 Olympics with a gold, three silvers and two bronze medals, and most recently performed well at the 2009 Japan Open.

"Before the Beijing Olympics, I told myself that if the team failed to win a gold, I would continue to work in the post until the next Olympics," Zhang told China View. "But if we did it (win at the Games), I would leave soon afterwards. I owe too much to my family, my son, my mother and my wife. The Beijing Games was a success for the swimming team and it made me feel relieved. Now, I hope to spend more time with my family."

Zhang will be replaced by assistant coach Yao Zhengjie.

Full text of China View article.

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