長跑“高原發展計劃”啟動

新華社報道，中國啟動了“高原發展計劃”在西部高原地區貴州、云南、甘肅和青海省訓練長跑和馬拉松運動員。當地12到13歲的男孩女孩將被選拔出來參加長跑訓練。長跑需要很大的耐力，但中國的競技水平還非常低，近年來只有偶爾一兩個好的運動員出現。

根據這個計劃，在上述四個省區將組織長跑競賽以選拔潛在的長跑選手。國家體育總局也在考慮成立國家長跑隊，所有的運動員均來自“高原發展計劃”。這些年輕的運動員將接受為期五年的系統訓練。

Program to train distance runners

China has commenced its "Plateau Development Plan" to train long-distance and marathon runners in its western plateau regions of Guizhou, Yunnan, Gansu and Qinghai provinces, Xinhua reported. Boy and girls 12 to 13 years old will be selected from local regions for the long-distance training program. The young athletes will receive systematic training for five years. Distance running requires great endurance; however, with the exception of one or two good runners in recent years, the competition level is much too low in China.

According to the plan, competitions will be organized in four provinces to choose the the best prospects. In addition, the General Administration of Sport is considering setting up a national distance-running team, with all members to be selected from the program.

(China.org.cn March 21, 2011)