Wang Shun, a delegate to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and a swimmer from the Zhejiang College of Sports, is training in Beijing. This national team training is three months earlier than previous years. According to Wang, the closed training is boring and monotonous, but he's used to this rhythm.

Wang Shun swims in a pool. [Photo/Zhejiang Daily]

"Now we are preparing for next year's Hangzhou Asian Games. This is a competition in my hometown. I hope we can show the best to everyone." Wang said.

Wang has been swimming for 22 years after beginning at the age of 6.

From the 2012 London Olympic Games to the 2019 World Championships in Guangzhou, Wang has not achieved the most dazzling results, but he never thought of giving up even after setbacks and adversity. At the Tokyo Olympic Games, Wang won the championship by breaking the Asian record by 1:55 in men's 200-metre individual medley.

"This gold medal is not only an honor, but also represents my life," Wang said. At the Shaanxi National Games the same year, he won six gold medals, and became the first swimmer to win 15 gold medals in the history of the National Games.

Two years later, at the Paris Olympic Games, he will be 30 years old, and he won’t let his age interfere when it comes to competing. Wang said that he always has the determination to persevere and the courage to break through by himself. “This is the charm of competitive sports, constantly challenging the limits and pursuing excellence,” Wang added.

Wang has always promoted the popularization of swimming in society. "I hope that more people can learn swimming as a survival skill and lifelong hobby to stay healthy."

Wang noted that the combination of sports and education are dependent on each other, which enables every child the opportunity to enjoy health and happiness.