At a time when there are many doubts about the future of China's former sports heroes, an exciting piece of news has rekindled the hopes of all swimming fans. On April 24, Sun Yang's studio issued an official statement that the "Oriental Water Prince", who had swept the world swimming world, had returned to the track and was fully prepared for the future journey.
"Getting in the water is the best place to start. Persist in hard work, have the courage to challenge, and eventually break through yourself. There is love, there is expectation. This statement with pride shows Sun Yang's persistent pursuit of swimming, and it also demonstrates his unswerving determination to his dream.
Looking back on Sun Yang's glorious history, he is like a bright pearl, leaving countless shining footprints in the Water Cube. From winning the 400m and 1500m freestyle at London 2012 to adding gold in the 200m to Rio 2016, he has won almost every major event in the men's freestyle.
What's even more impressive is that Sun Yang is the first person ever to hold a Grand Slam title in the 200m, 400m and 1500m events at the same time.
These achievements are only the tip of Sun Yang's achievements. He is not only the fourth consecutive world champion in the men's 400m freestyle event, but also the sole owner of three consecutive gold medals in the 800m event. Even at the 2015 World Championships, he was elected MVP for his outstanding performance, and alongside swimming legend Phelps, he swayed an unparalleled glory.
However, just when Sun Yang's career was in full swing, a shocking thing happened. In 2018, he was bogged down in controversy for refusing to take a test. After lengthy claims, Sun Yang was finally banned by the International Court of Arbitration for eight years. Although the ban was later shortened to 4 years and 3 months after appeal, this is still a heavy blow to Sun Yang's career.
In those gloomy days, the outside world's views on Sun Yang's prospects were also mixed. Some people think that at the age of 32, he has passed his prime, and it may be difficult to return to the top. But there are also those who have high hopes for the swimming legend, believing that he will be able to reinvent the glory with his tenacity.
Just when public opinion was divided, the official announcement of Sun Yang's studio undoubtedly poured cold water on all the doubts. The ban is about to expire at the end of May, and Sun Yang returned to the pool to start a new road of preparation, which is enough to show that his attachment to the pool and his enthusiasm for his career have not been extinguished no matter what setbacks he has suffered.
In fact, for someone with Sun Yang's extraordinary talent and tenacious will, giving up is not an option. As early as last year, he was unswerving in an interview: "I never said to the public that I would retire or not swim." Swimming has always been an integral part of Sun Yang's life, "One day I will leave the pool, but I have to learn to enjoy and love swimming." "
From these words, it is not difficult for us to find Sun Yang's deep attachment to the identity of an athlete. As a professional athlete, he understands the preciousness of time and knows that he is not old. "In the long run, I'm not too old, I still have the body and ability, and I can hold on for a few more years. For all doubts, this is perhaps Sun Yang's most powerful response.
Of course, getting back on the field of play doesn't happen overnight. After several years of banning, Sun Yang needs to get back in shape and keep his fitness and professionalism at peak level. For ordinary people, this may be an unattainable goal, but for this "water prince" who has created countless miracles, it is just an excellent stage to show his strength again.
Moreover, Sun Yang's life path has never stopped at the scope of swimming pools. In the past few years, he has tried live broadcasting, studied for further study, and even tied the knot with his long-favorite gymnastics star Zhang Doudou and lived a happy married life. These experiences undoubtedly enriched Sun Yang's taste of life and gave him a broader vision of the future.
Although it is undoubtedly a big shame to miss out on this year's Paris Olympics, Sun Yang, who has vowed to return to the competition, has his sights set on the future. At Los Angeles 2028, he will be over 36 years old, but who can say that the "water prince" of that year will be gone?
After all, for an athlete who loves swimming and is hungry to win championships, as long as the body and willpower are there, any challenge will be a reason to gamble and go all out. As Sun Yang's studio's manifesto says: "There is love, there is expectation." "We have reason to believe that this love and expectation will become the biggest motivation for Sun Yang to regain his light and continue to write a legend.
The journey of life is often full of infinite surprises and possibilities. Just when people were doubting Sun Yang's future, the "Oriental Swimming King" who had swept the world stage once again stepped forward and responded with the most powerful response to all doubts.
I believe that with Sun Yang's return to the game and his peak form, we will definitely see him once again set off stormy waves in the pool in the near future and create a new legend!