Closed-door Olympic trainings are dull and sometimes intolerable for Olympic taekwondo double gold medalist Chen Zhong. But the determined Chen tries to enjoy the moments of leisure in her restricted existence.
Chen Zhong
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"Every one of us is eager to go out and breathe some fresh air but there is no way we can go out," said the reigning world over-67kg champion. "You will be punished if you break the rules."
During the team's first winter training session in Tianjin, which ended just before last week's "Good Luck Beijing" 2008 Taekwondo International Invitational Tournament, Chen and her teammates spent every minute in camp, making their world feel quite small and isolated.
"Tianjin is a big city. But we have no feeling at all," she said. "We even have to ask permission before walking out of our own apartment, not to mention out of the camp."
Things did not change much for the team this past week, living and training at Beijing's Shi Cha Hai Sports School.
Shi Cha Hai, also known as Houhai Lake, is one of China's most popular recreation destinations, and is covered by various bars and restaurants. And being only steps away from the school where the national taekwondo team trains, the players feel their isolation all the more.
"Yes, we want to go out so much and enjoy some fun. It's so close that sometimes you can even hear the music."
But Chen said she and all her national teammates have gotten used to their "lonely" environment and are actually quite content with their lives right now.
"It's a crucial time for the Olympic preparations. As an athlete, you have to be concentrated on training and competition.
"Actually life is much better than what it used to be. Now we have television in the apartment. We are so happy and satisfied. We cannot complain."
Chen, 26, is hoping to win a historic third consecutive Olympic gold medal in Beijing, but she knows there are plenty of strong opponents in the way.
"During the test event, Chinese failed to win the gold in over-67kg," said Chen, who did not play due to injury. "There are potential strong opponents rising in the tournament. And some of the top ones also did not come to compete here.
"This competitiveness gives me pressure and pushes me to work even harder next time."
Though she still suffers from lingering injuries, Chen is virtually assured of an Olympic berth due to her experience and glittering records, and still remains the favorite to win a taekwondo gold for China.
"The coaching team will have specific training plans for individuals. I am sure I will be at my best both physically and technically during the Beijing Games."
China has won three Olympic golds in taekwondo since Sydney 2000, all by women in the heavier weight classes (Luo Wei won the under-67kg in Athens Games).
China is only allowed to send two females and two male taekwondists to the Olympics.
According to Zhao Lei, deputy director of China Taekwondo Administrative Center, world under-49kg champion Wu Jingyu, men's over-80 taekwondist Liu Xiaobo are also on the Olympic list while the list for the men's 80kg is still in doubt.
