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Liang Xiaoping, 42 years old, won numerous gold medals in national games when she was a speed skater. She became a speed skating coach after retiring as an athlete. Under her instruction, the skaters of her team have won 95 championships in national competitions and four in Asian games. Eight of the national speed skating records have been created by members of her team. She deserves the title of "Champion Coach."
Liang said although she and her team have won a lot of gold medals, there is still a dream yet to be realized -- their Olympics champion dream.
Liang Xiaoping devotes herself so completely to the training that she refuses to use either a pager or a cell phone so as to keep disturbances away. Her training course is tough, of course. No one is allowed to leave the skating court without finishing his or her assignment for the day. Once Liu Guanghui, holder of men's national records for the 5,000 meters and 10,000 meters, asked Liang for a break and promised to finish the rest of the training the next day since he was totally exhausted. Liang refused his request without any hesitation. Liu went back to skating with tears. After the training, Liang said to Liu emotionally, "If it were a contest, could you ask the committee to postpone it because you are tired? Defeating yourself means defeating your rivals."
As a wife and mother, Liang has missed a lot in her family life. She feels guilty because she has spent too little time with her son. Her 13-year-old boy complained that his mom cares only her trainees. It is true that he can hardly remember how long it has been since the last time he had a meal cooked by his mother.
Liang gets full support from her husband, also a former athlete, though. "At home, I play the roles of both father and mother," he said. "But I understand it is not easy for a woman to pursue her career. I support her full-heartedly."
(China.org.cn November 11, 2002)
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