Wu Peng: Phelps not my idol
(Xinhua)Updated: 2006-12-03 10:04
DOHA - Chinese teenager Wu Peng said Michael Phelps is not his idol but sets an example for him although there is still a gap between them.
 China's Wu Peng reacts after winning the men's 200m butterfly swimming finals at the 15th Asian Games in Doha December 2, 2006. [Reuters] |
The 19-year-old was crowned for the second time in the men's 200m butterfly at the Asian Games on Saturday in the only event he competed in here.
The world bronze medalist came from behind to win in one minute 54.91 seconds, his personal best time, beating East Asian Games winner Takeshi Matsuda (1:55.49) and Ryuichi Shibata (1:56.44) to the second and third places.
 Michael Phelps of the U.S. celebrates after setting a world record in the men's 200m individual medley final at the Pan Pacific 2006 swimming championships in Victoria August 20, 2006. [Reuters] |
He improved his personal best with 0.8 seconds but the result is still a far cry from American wunderkind, multi-Olympic and world champion Phelps, who set a new world record 1:53.80 in August.
"Michael Phelps is not my idol," Wu said. "But he will always be a goal for me to chase and I am doing that now."
To become a Phelps, Wu knew he first has to shine in the Beijing Olympic Games and the Asian Games is one of the important occasions for him to try out, especially with strong rivals from Japan present at the Games.
"Last time in Busan, I got three gold medals which was beyond my wildest imagination. This time, I made thorough preparation and promised myself to win," he said.
Wu beat Japanese Takashi Yamamoto to win the 200m fly in Busan Asian Games in South Korea before the latter captured a silver in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games where Wu only finished sixth.
He also bagged titles in 200m backstroke and 400m individual medley in Busan.
"But more importantly, I hope to win in the Beijing Olympics," he said.
World runner-up Matsuda said his opponent was stronger than he had thought.
"Chinese swimmers are stronger than I expected. It looks that China in full sail in their preparation for the Olympics," he said.
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