Change In Approach Fueled China’s Zhang Yufei To Olympic Success

zhang yufei, olympics, Jul 29, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Zhang Yufei (CHN) celebrates after winning the women's 200m butterfly final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Change In Approach Fueled China’s Zhang Yufei To Olympic Success

Although she was expected to contend for gold in the 100-meter butterfly, China’s Zhang Yufei emerged from the Olympic Games in Tokyo as an upper-echelon performer. The 23-year-old claimed an individual title in the 200 butterfly and helped China to a world record in the 800 freestyle relay. She was also the silver medalist in the 100 butterfly and as a member of her nation’s mixed medley relay.

Zhang’s gold medals arrived in the same finals session, as she first prevailed in the 200 fly in 2:03.86, and later checked in with a split of 1:55.66 for her leg of the 800 free relay. Zhang’s time is the fastest in history in a textile suit, and her contribution to the Chinese relay was a surprise to the athlete, who wasn’t notified about her role in the event until after her individual event concluded.

At the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Zhang finished sixth in the 200 butterfly. It was a disappointing result, but ultimately pushed Zhang to greater performances. Zhang kept a video of the final on her phone for multiple years, but she chose to not watch a replay of the race. Instead, Zhang looked ahead to starring at the Tokyo Games.

“If compared with (other Chinese competitors), I am really talented,” she said. “But if you want to reach the finals and top eight in world competitions like the Olympics, the comparison is not just talent, but who works harder, who does better details, and who has a higher overall level.”

Following the Rio Games, Zhang switched coaches, moving to the mentorship of Cui Dengrong. Her new coach is detail-oriented and emphasizes technique. The change proved beneficial for Zhang, who found that she could engage with Cui and make suggestions during practice.

“I think it’s a good thing,” Zhang said of her give-and-take relationship with Cui. “If you just listen to the coaches blindly, you won’t be at the top level in the world. I think athletes must have their own ideas. Of course, the coach is the main idea. We need to express our own ideas and discuss the most suitable method to help both of us improve together.”

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