-Champion Physical Education Class- begins! Cao Yuan and Lian Junjie share the secret of the -Dream Team-
On October 25, Olympic diving champions Cao Yuan and Lian Junjie visited the Liangxiang campus of Beijing Institute of Technology to participate in the “Spirit of Chinese Sports” lecture series and the “Champion Sports Class” event aimed at introducing athletes into schools. The duo provided an in-depth interpretation of the essence of Chinese sports spirit while sharing insights on diving techniques and athletic skills.
During the lecture, Cao Yuan shared his personal journey from joining the national team to standing on the Olympic championship podium. He reflected on the challenges faced during four Olympic competitions, saying, “I stand on the shoulders of giants and have a responsibility to carry forward the baton of the ‘Dream Team.’ As long as I have the strength, I will sprint towards the finish line without hesitation.”
Lian Junjie echoed this sentiment, noting, “We fail far more often than we succeed. Each perfect move and precise dive is the result of countless hours of practice.” He attributed the success of the Chinese diving team, often referred to as the “Dream Team,” to this relentless dedication. Sharing his own growth story, he encouraged students, saying, “All the days spent building a strong foundation lead to eventual breakthroughs. I started as a student too, and I hope my experiences inspire you to chase your dreams bravely.”
In the subsequent “Champion Sports Class,” Cao Yuan and Lian Junjie engaged in interactive discussions with the students. They not only answered questions with humor but also explained the rules for calculating the difficulty coefficients in diving competitions. Exhibiting the charisma of Olympic champions, they led students in warm-up techniques and emphasized the importance of sports for the physical and mental health of youth, creating an energetic atmosphere.
Both champions also joined 16 students in a recitation of the “Ode to Chinese Sports Spirit.” Their powerful voices ignited the enthusiasm of everyone present, and memories flooded back as a video montage highlighted some of the most thrilling moments in China’s sports history.
It’s worth noting that Beijing Institute of Technology introduced its first sports-related elective course, “Spirit of Chinese Sports,” in 2022, accessible to all students. One student shared with reporters, “I feel lucky to be part of this class. It consists of 32 hours of instruction, rich practical activities, and direct interactions with Olympic champions and experts. This course combines sports with moral education, teaching us not only theoretical knowledge but also allowing us to internalize the spirit of Chinese sports through practice.”
Cao Yuan emphasized the benefits of understanding the spirit of Chinese sports for youth growth, stating, “As an athlete, I have felt the strength derived from the values of patriotism, selflessness, scientific rigor, lawfulness, teamwork, and perseverance embodied in these 24 words.”
Having competed in four Olympic Games and winning four gold medals, Cao Yuan expressed that he hasn’t thought much about the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics yet, but he has resumed training and continues to learn.
