June 30, 2010
By Richard Stevens – Senior Writer/GoLobos.com
It might be a good thing and a bad thing that four members of the Chinese National Team decided to visit the University of New Mexico and take a few laps with Tracy Ljone’s Lobos.
The good thing is that a high level of work ethic and swimming was only a lane away. These Lobos are being splashed by Olympians.
“They are really fast. It’s amazing to watch them,” said Lobo Maria Dudley. “Their technique is almost flawless and you can see they are extremely dedicated athletes. They show you how hard work pays off and if you want it, you can get it.”
The bad thing is the chance that Ljone might toughen up some of her workouts. These Chinese swimmers perform at a high level because they work at a high level. They cover a lot of water – fast.
Only one problem with the possibility that Ljone might be tougher on her swimmers in the upcoming season: the Chinese National team doesn’t have to worry about classrooms or homework. This is their job.
If Ljone pushed her Lobos at the same rate, there might be a few Lobos beached by fatigue — or maybe academically ineligible Lobos.
“They work harder than any athletes I’ve ever seen,” said Ljone. “They are 100 percent effort every day.”
Said Ljone’s assistant, Crystal Forbes: “Their interpreter told us they don’t go to class. They don’t have math or science to worry about. They eat, sleep and dream of swimming. But that’s the time and the dedication it takes to get to the Olympic level.”
The two female swimmers from China are Liuyang Jiao (Olympic silver) and Yilin Zhou. The two men are Yun Hao and Yin Chen. This small contingent of the Chinese National Team was looking for a place to swim this summer and Ljone tossed Albuquerque and the UNM pool in their direction.
They took the Lobo coach up on the offer, which is paid for by the Chinese government. The visiting swimmers stay at a local hotel and usually work out twice a day, unless they are competing as independents for the Lobo Aquatics club, an age-group program that hits swim meets over the summer.
“They are world-class swimmers and it shows,” said Doug Forbes, the Lobo Aquatics’ coach. “They help bring my kids up to another level. It’s great for our swimmers to have them here. They work hard all the time. They are going for it in every workout.”
Forbes has been coaching the Chinese swimmers during their visit, which means he plans their workouts. The only communication comes through a translator, who accompanied the team to the U.S.
“I’ve had to design workouts that are more intense with more yardage,” said Forbes.
Said Ljone: This is a great experience for myself and Crystal and our club team to have them here. We have six Lobos working out this summer and they get to swim next to some world-class talent.”
The Chinese team will compete as independents for Lobo Aquatics at a July 7 meet and then return to China.
Crystal Forbes said one thing that should get the attention of the Lobo swimmers is that these world-class swimmers from China aren’t 6-foot-5 with arms like UNM linebacker Carmen Messina.
“These girls aren’t any taller, aren’t any bigger than us,” said the UNM assistant coach. “But they are swimming at a high level. Our girls are watching faster swimmers and it tells them that level is achievable with the right dedication.”
The Lobos have been impressed. “They just keep working, keep going,” said Nanette Wittenberg. “We might start to complain, but they never say a word. They just get it done. You can see why they are on the national team.”
Said Jennifer Burgess: “It’s fascinating to swim next to them and just try to keep up. They are always going, going, going. They push you and it’s hard work, but I know it will pay off at the end. Their strokes are almost perfect. ”