QINGDAO -- Chinese swimming star Qin Haiyang made a triumphant return to form at the Spring National Championships, clinching the men's 200m breaststroke title with a time of two minutes 7.44 seconds.

The time would have placed him on the podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the bronze medal was won in 2:07.90 by Dutchman Caspar Corbeau. This victory marks a significant step in his journey to reclaim his peak form after a turbulent 2024.

Qin's performance in Qingdao was a pleasant surprise, even to himself. "I didn't expect this result," he admitted. "My goal was simply to swim under 2:09. Today's result is faster than my time at last year's National Championships (2:08.87). I focused on executing every detail and each 50-meter segment, rather than obsessing over the final time."

This race was a stark contrast to his struggles in the 2024 Paris Games, where the 2023 Fukuoka world champion in the 50m, 100m, and 200m breaststroke failed to make the 200m final and finished seventh in the 100m.

Qin acknowledged that his previous focus on strength and conditioning training had been a misstep. "Last year, I placed too much emphasis on physical training, which didn't translate well into my performances. This cycle, I've shifted my focus back to water training, and it's paying off."

Qin also claimed victory in the men's 100m breaststroke on Thursday with a time of 58.66, a result that would have won him Olympic gold in Paris. His performances in both the 100m and 200m events are promising indicators of his potential to return to the world-class level he once occupied.

"My performance is similar to where I was in 2023 when I was approaching my peak," he said. "It's a good start and a sign that I'm regaining my best condition."

Qin has been working with Australian legendary coach Michael Bohl for nine weeks. Bohl, one of Australia's most successful coaches, has mentored numerous Olympic and world champions, including Emma McKeon, Kaylee McKeown, Stephanie Rice, and Emily Seebohm.

Qin credits Bohl with helping him navigate his challenges. "Coach Bohl is incredibly perceptive about what athletes are thinking," Qin said. "He has a unique way of helping you relax and focus. His mantra for me has been 'keep it simple.' That's what I need right now-to focus on the process rather than getting caught up in specific outcomes or pressures."

"I used to think too much before competitions, but now Bohl always says 'keep it simple' before the race. It helps me a lot," he added.

Qin's main focus is on the upcoming World Championships in Singapore this July. "My training plan is built around the World Championships," he said. "I'll compete in the 50m, 100m, and 200m breaststroke events. My goal is to regain my best form. But I am not afraid of failures. I think even if I don't perform well, there's still time before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics to make adjustment, so I'm not rushing."

He also emphasized the importance of competing regularly to maintain his rhythm. "I'm a competition-driven athlete. In 2024, I didn't race enough, and it affected my performance in Paris Olympics. So I plan to compete as much as possible in the future, both domestically and internationally, to stay sharp."

Qin's journey back to the top has not been without hurdles. "Both mental and physical challenges have been significant," he explained. "As I approach the Los Angeles Olympics, I'll be older, and balancing training intensity to avoid injuries while maintaining peak performance is a complex task."

Despite these challenges, Qin remains optimistic. "Climbing back from a low point is difficult, but it's also an opportunity for growth. Coach Bohl and I are still building our partnership, and there's room for improvement."

Bohl especially praised Qin. "I've been super impressed with the way Haiyang has worked over the last nine weeks. He's been very good in training, great in strength conditioning, and awesome in the pool," said the coach, adding that Qin's motivation and consistency will be key to his success in the coming years.

Qin will be 29 by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but Bohl didn't take the age as a big problem. He came up with examples like Michael Phelps and Sarah Sjostrom, who have won Olympic medals in their 30s.

"If the spirit is willing and the mind is willing, and the body can hold together, then anything is possible," Bohl said, noting that Qin still has the potential to compete at the highest level if he maintains his motivation and focus.