Chapter 194: Qualifying Standard (1/2)
Chapter 194: Qualifying Standard
Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Dai Li stared at Guohong Niu. He sensed that Guohong Niu was eager to be stronger.
”So far your training load is pretty high. If I give you extra practice, your body may not be able to bear the stress,” Dai Li said worriedly.
”I believe I can do it!” said Guohong Niu firmly.
”Let's have additional training for a few days first, then see how everything goes. You can adjust yourself during this period of time,” Dai Li agreed, ”It's OK if you can't make it. Additional training doesn't fall under regular training, there's no need to be ashamed if you can't hold on until the end.”
Guohong Niu said nothing, but his eyes were shining with stubbornness.
”Well, to be honest, it's not necessary to put yourself under so much pressure. Athletic training is a long, gradual process; you have to improve step by step. Nobody can reach the top in a night. You are already on the national team, they won't eliminate you. Don't worry about that.”
”I want to go to the Asian Games!” Guohong Niu replied, ”I don't want to be an alternate! I want to compete in formal contests!”
”Then hold on!” Dai Li smiled. He knew that Guohong Niu had made his decision. It had not taken any encouragement on Dai Li's part. Why not push this boy a little by offering him additional training in spare time?
Guohong Niu was anxious to outdo the others. Even if Dai Li refused, he would insist on receiving extra training. Dai Li would rather give him a small lesson than let the boy practice alone unprofessionally.
A few days later, the second phase of the Asian Games Training Camp finished. It was finally time for the national team to decide on the participants for the game. In the meeting room, the national team coaches were discussing the final name list.
”Guohong Niu is a college athlete. He started late, but has been working very hard. Recently he has been receiving extra training. From his performance I can see significant progress.” Li Xue paused, then said, ”In yesterday's assessment, Guohong Niu's time was 10.28 seconds, which just reaches the B-level standard for the Olympics. Usually an athlete with such a performance would be able to go to the Asian Games, but the number of participants is limited. Therefore, I plan to have him be an alternate in the Asian Games,” Li Xue finished his speech, sighing pitifully.
Big competitions like the Asian Games were different than individual events. The latter required whoever registered to be the one competing, while the relay race only required group registrations. The participant group submitted the list of names right before the race began.
Generally speaking, the relay race had alternates. If the main force's schedule was too tight, or if any of the main athletes got injured, alternates would substitute in for the athlete. Sometimes there were alternates who specialized in the relay race. So, as an alternate, Guohong Niu's upcoming task would be to prepare for relay race. With his performance, the other coaches had no disagreements over making Guohong Niu an alternate.
”OK, now let's discuss the 200m sprint!” Li Xue paused again, then said, ”For the 200m sprint, Jun Xie and Zitao Wei already occupy two spots; the key problem is deciding who should be the last one. l was planning on choosing either Xiong Chu or Wei Zhang, but you all watched the latest in-team examination. We have a dark horse! Yue Zhao's time was 20.78 seconds.