By love-89.com At a recent event in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, called “Olympic Champions from Zhejiang Going Global,” I had the chance to interview Zhang Tao, the dedicated rehabilitation therapist for Olympic swimming superstar Wang Shun. Zhang shared his primary objective, stating, “My aim is to optimize Wang Shun’s condition, extend his career, and help him maintain peak performance.”
At the Paris Olympics, Wang Shun added a bronze medal to his impressive collection in the men’s 200-meter individual medley final. This remarkable feat was part of a larger success story for the 37 athletes from Zhejiang, who collectively earned 8 gold medals and a total of 20 medals, enhancing the province’s reputation for Olympic excellence.
These achievements are not solely attributed to the athletes and coaches; they also stem from significant advancements in technology and medical support. If athletes can be likened to high-performance vehicles, then technology and medical interventions are their fuel and boosters. In preparation for the Paris Olympics, the Zhejiang Provincial Sports Bureau adopted a customized strategy for each competitor, forming specialized training teams that integrated expertise from research, healthcare, physical fitness, and rehabilitation, all aimed at maximizing performance.
Wang Shun expressed his appreciation for this personalized approach, saying he feels “very fortunate” to have access to such resources. Having joined the Zhejiang swimming team in 2007, Wang has evolved into a leader on the national team. With his wealth of experience, he prioritizes recovery and injury prevention, which is why he has a dedicated rehabilitation therapist focused on keeping him in prime physical condition.
Having secured a bronze medal at his fourth Olympic Games, Wang continues to inspire others as he prepares for the 2025 Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Games, where he aims for another stellar performance.
“The integration of modern technology with competitive sports is crucial for success in athletics, both now and in the future,” noted Han Chen, a coach in the Scientific Research Department at Zhejiang Sports Vocational College. He pointed out that sports injuries pose a significant threat to elite athletes, but with cutting-edge technology, training can be precisely monitored, reducing injury risks and supporting scientifically validated methodologies essential for athletes striving for greatness.
Zhejiang has also developed a pioneering “champion model,” focusing on comprehensive monitoring of athletes’ forms, physical abilities, and skills through advanced high-tech tools. This approach enables coaches to identify weaknesses and tailor training programs to enhance overall performance.
“By using scientific and quantifiable data, we can identify patterns in champion development and work towards replicating their successes,” explained Zhang Yingyue, a researcher from the Zhejiang Sports Vocational College.
For example, the Zhejiang badminton team has adopted this method, collecting data on over 40 athletes regarding their physical condition and performance capabilities. With detailed reports available, coaches can modify training strategies to meet each athlete’s specific needs, significantly boosting both talent development quality and effectiveness.
Similarly, at the Zhejiang Water Sports Management Center, the integration of technology has proven impactful. In the kayaking team, the research group evaluated over 2,500 individuals, producing more than 150 data reports and 324 body composition assessments leading up to the Olympics. Their careful observations ensure that even minor physiological changes in athletes are meticulously monitored.
High Wei Dong, a graduate from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, has spent several years at the center, where he provides a range of scientific support services, including load monitoring, fatigue assessment, functional evaluation, and injury prevention.
“With this data, coaches and nutritionists can adjust training regimens and dietary plans to bring athletes into their best form,” High noted.