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Meng never says uncle, Yang charges for Beijing glory
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2005-10-24 09:18
Xinhuanet
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NANJING, East China, Oct. 23 (Xinhuanet) -- Meng Guanliang lost. He lost twice to his Olympic partner Yang Wenjun.
Before their head-to-head conflicts at the 10th National Games, all anticipated that they would each take a singles gold medal. However, the results proved that Yang had the final say.
The 29-year-old Meng led the men’s C1 500m race but was overtaken by Yang in the last second. This was a replay of the men’s C1 1,000m final on Saturday when Yang, 22, topped the podium, leading Meng by nearly 3 seconds.
In early 2004, Meng and Yang began to pair, which proved a big success as they stunned all to win a gold medal in the men’s C2 500m in Athens, the first-ever Olympic victory for Chinese canoeing. Now, Meng, who was no longer the No.1 in singles event, will take a rest indefinitely after netting two silvers in the Games.
Nevertheless, Meng never said uncle.
"Yang is a gifted canoeist, he has great potential and a brightfuture. Youngsters replace veterans, that’s the law of nature."
After 12 years in the sport, Meng was tired.
"I have participated in the National Games three times. I have sustained many injuries and never take a rest in a real sense." Meng said, "Now I want to take a rest, to stay with my family but I don’t know how long it will last."
However, Meng never gave up his dream to stand on the podium atthe Beijing Olympics in his home country.
"I will surely come back for 2008 Olympics."
MENG’S DREAM CONTINUES
Meng took up swimming at the age of nine. But at 17 years old, he suffered an ankle injury and considered retiring. Right at thattime, his talent in canoeing was found.
After months’ practice, Meng overpassed those who took up the sport for years, and began his haul of titles in Asian and national tournaments.
In 2000, Meng qualified for the Sydney Olympic Games, but for some reason, he failed to compete over there. This was a great blow to Meng as his biggest wish then was to compete in the Olympics. Retirement became his top concern again, and he planned to retire after the 9th National Games.
Around at 2002 Busan Asiad, Marek Ploch, a Polish Canadian, came as men’s canoe coach in Chinese Canoeing team. It was Ploch who encouraged Meng to regain confidence.
In 2003, Meng came out fifth place in the men’s C1 500m at the World Championships, thus qualifying for the Athens Games.
PAIRING WITH YANG
Ploch pointed out that China was not good enough in singles event to win a medal in Athens but doubles might be.
His advice was accepted by the Aquatic Events Administration Center and Meng and Yang began to pair in early 2004.
But in an early stage, Meng still thought they would only go asfar as the final. A medal was beyond his expectation.
The pair were both introverted. That was why they were arrangedto live in one room. Frequent communication made them familiar with each other.
In their debut as partners in the regatta of Japan’s Komatsu Continental Qualification Asia last year, they came out with the fourth world best result in 1:40.27.
In June 2004, the duo took all by surprise to crown at the Duisburg World Cup, the first ever world champion title for Chinese canoemen.
Bigger surprise came on August 28, 2004 as the duo made historyto combine for a gold medal in the men’s C2 500m in Athens.
MOTIVE-LACKING WHEN BACK FROM ATHENS
Back from Athens, Meng, already a big name, was naturally engaged in many social activities.
Moreover, Ploch chose to leave China for various reason, which made Meng seemingly unwilling to battle until 2008.
Without systematic training, he began to consider retiring again.
In early 2005, officials of China’s Ministry of Sports went to Qiandaohu Lake, training base of Chinese Canoeing team, and encouraged Meng not to retire.
In April, Meng told Xinhua that to compete in the Beijing Olympics might be once in a lifetime, he would grab the chance.
Meng finally decided to compete in the 10th National Games and said, prior to the competitions, that if he took a gold he might continue.
Now with two silvers, Meng made a decision to take a rest but never said the word "retire".
"I will come back for 2008, but I don’t know if my partner willstill be Yang." Meng said.
GRATEFUL YANG
Yang always said he was a lucky dog as he could pair Meng in Athens.
Yang said that before the Athens Games Meng was of course the No.1 in singles events. Meng was right handed and Yang was left handed--a perfect match.
Unlike Meng, Yang thought everything was possible even a gold medal.
"Athens Games might be Meng’s last Olympics, so he would surelytry his best."he said,"I felt grateful to be his partner, otherwise, I am still a minnow."
Yang became more mature, expressing his aspiration for a place on the podium in 2008.
"Every Chinese athlete is eager to do a good job in your home country, I’m no exception."
He came out sixth place in the men’s C1 500m at the World Championships this year. This was his personal best in the World Champs.
Now Ploch was back. Under his helm, Yang is charging for Beijing glory.
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