Xu Jiayu, a newcomer in the Asian Games 2014 held in Incheon, South Korea, performed surprisingly well when he emerged as a runner-up during the Olympiad 2016 held in Rio de Janeiro.
In the world swimming championship held in Budapest in 2017, he won the men`s 100-meter backstroke.
"I hope I will perform better and break the world record in the 100-meter event. I also hope to earn as many gold medals as possible in Jakarta, hopefully, up to five gold medals," he stated.
The Chinese swimmer will compete in the men`s 50-meter, 100-meter, and 200-meter breaststroke and two freestyle relays during the Asian Games 2018.
"During the Asian Games 2014, I was so nervous that I could not perform well. I have learnt much from the experience as well as from the Olympiad and the world championship. Now, I feel more confident," Xinhua quoted Xu as saying.
Unlike other Chinese swimmers, who have received much training abroad, Jiayu has been trained domestically under the guidance of his long-time coach, Xu Guoyi, who also trained two-time Olympiad champion, Ye Shiwen.
"The Asian Games seems to be our interim target. Our main target is the Olympiad 2020 in Tokyo," Jiayu, who will turn 23 when he competes in the Asian Games 2018, noted.
Reporting by Teguh Handoko
Editing by suharto
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
