Swimming in China is represented by a relatively rich and long history. The Nationalist Government in 1936 sent a delegation to the Berlin Olympic Games that included two swimmers. Later on, Chinese swimmers broke the men’s breaststroke world record five times during the 1950s. In addition, Chinese swimming attained a breakthrough following the winning of four golden medals in the Five Golden Flowers (Zheng, 2017). On the other side, the US Bureau of the Census demonstrates that swimming features as the most popular sporting activity in the US. The country boasts more than 350 million individuals taking part in swimming every year. Studies in 2007 demonstrated that approximately eight million families possess their own recreational pools representing a 6.9-billion-dollar industry (Pools, 2007). With this in mind, this paper explores the swimming training systems in China and the United States highlighting both similarities and differences. Comparing such similarities and differences will reflect the individual nation’s approach to sports development, cultural aspects and resources. While China focuses on systematic talent identification, specialized training facilities and government support, America concentrates on a more diverse approach and public and private support.

Comparing Swimming Support Systems Between China and the United States

Chinese swimmers mostly rely on government support (Tan et al., 2019). Both capitalist and communications nations are characterised by a broad systematic government-funded and government-led approach when it comes to elite sports development. An excellent example of such nations includes China, where the elite sport is significantly politicised and government corporations are nearly omnipotent. Therefore, elite sport in the Chinese territory is part and parcel of the government policy domain (Zheng et al., 2019). To back up such remarks, swimming in China was subjected to an increased level of government support and emphasis towards Beijing 2008, according to Project 119 which targeted special sports in China. Lanquing Li’s successor, Zhili Chen, who is also a member of the State Council, clearly highlighted that China needs to seriously summarise the swimming lessons and experiences for possible advantages in the sport. Additionally, Chen mentioned that the country needs to learn from better and leading foreign countries for training methods and ideas to acknowledge new progress and achievements (Tan et al., 2019). This demonstrates that swimming in China receives substantial policy attention as well as government support.

In contrast, American swimmers depend mostly on individual organisations and the private and public sector (Smolianov et al., 2017). To demonstrate private support in the United States, it is crucial to highlight how young swimmers introduced themselves, potential athletes and parents to swimming. USAS, an accreditation body based in Florida, offers periodization to swimmers and works closer with every individual organisation and sponsor that supports sporting activities so that more swimmers can demonstrate their contribution to happiness, health and productivity in society and places of work (Smolianov et al., 2017). In addition, grants, private support and public support were perceived as fairer and more efficient sports support systems in America that benefited fully national health. This is because such support systems could be developed via more responsible, more transparent and greater allocation of funds. Mission Viedo Nadadores (2023) is an excellent example of a private organisation in the US that offers a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment for swimmers to develop to the highest competitive success. In order to prevent possible inequalities, direct public funding was considered to develop recreational activities in schools (Smolianov et al., 2017).

Comparing Swimming Training Between China and America

China boasts sophisticated training facilities, such as Olympic equipment and pools that are well-funded and supported (Ma & Kurscheidt, 2021. For instance, the Youth Sports Time Sports Schools in Yangpu district act as a major supplier and supporter of Shanghai elite swimmers. The General Administration of Sport (GAS) endorsed its remarkable performance, and ranked first class in the national elite sports training centres. The training systems and facilities are strongly dominated and supported by government entities as well as commercial sponsorship (Ma & Kurscheidt, 2021). However, when it comes to open water swimming, Chinese athletes and coaches lack corresponding training methods and concepts, and professional structure training. The sector of open water swimming in China needs some improvement. The lack of training venues, unreasonable training techniques and inadequate level of athletes represent the elements that limit the development of open water swimming in China (Suo, 2023).

Similarly, the United States boasts state-of-the-art training facilities; however, they are more diverse, featuring elite training centres at club and university levels, community pools, and grassroots pools (Smolianov et al., 2017). The training centres offered specialised equipment and facilities for every level of participation and age. Young swimmers in America are normally trained oriented on multiple development stages guidelines that are proposed by the nation. Adequate resources are collectively available from several supporting organisations for every young talented swimmer to progress via every development stage. Also, at the grassroots level, the majority of trainers worked with elite and competitive swimmers at the university and high school levels (Smolianov et al., 2017). USAS could also be involved in providing more American swimmers with individualised parametric training

Comparing Swimming Coaching between China and America

China boasts a sophisticated coaching system with knowledgeable and experienced coaches that are mostly linked with sports learning institutions (Li et al., 2015). Apart from the Chinese swimmers’ own personal hard work and talents, their coaches also play a pivotal role by transferring their knowledge, competence and experience to aid with athletes’ attainment and success. The relationship between the coach and athlete presents a platform where the swimmer and the coach cooperate and communicate in order to attain accomplishments and success. Through discourse, talk, self-disclosure, and negotiation, the athlete and the coach could exchange experiences, ideas, and concerns with one another. The cooperative relationship that occurs between coaches and athletes, particularly during training, is known as complementarity. It fosters cooperation, teamwork, and mutual aid (Li et al., 2015). China is also known for collaborating with foreign coaches to ensure better quality of training and coaching (Tan et al., 2019).

Similar to its training facilities, America’s swimming coaching is also diverse, mixing former athletes transitioning into coaching as well as experienced coaches (Cook et al., 2021; Osmond, 2019). Experienced coaches in America can tell if an athlete is being honest or dishonest about their emotions thanks to their accurate sense of emotion. This will help the athlete understand the situation and adjust their behaviour accordingly. When these elements come together, emotionally intelligent coaches will be able to connect and inspire their players because they will have a deeper knowledge of their experiences (Cook et al., 2021). America also provided an opportunity for former swimmers who wanted to coach, instruct, compete or otherwise benefit from the profession in one way or another. An excellent example can be seen through the Cavill brothers. They ventured into swimming coaching in the United States after years of experience in swimming (Osmond, 2019).

Comparing Swimming Competition Systems in China and America

China highlights various internal trials and competitions aimed at selecting swimmers for international events (Jinxia, 2012). China had several major domestic competitions that were very strict and keen on matters of doping and drug violations. Drug violations happened both in domestic competitions as well as international ones. Such a situation could be attributed to the intensifying inter-provincial competitions (Jinxia, 2012). A swimmer who tested positive for drugs would face discipline from the associated association, the coach, and the swimmer themselves. They would have a lifelong ban from competitions, contingent on the gravity of the offence, or a minimum of six months. Moreover, a team would be subject to five drug tests outside of competition if it had one drug-positive test. The squad would not be allowed to compete in any domestic or international events the next year if they received two positive results. A six-drug offence within four years would result in the team’s disqualification from the National Games (Jinxia, 2012).

On the other hand, the United States focuses more on club and college swimming competitions, such as the NCAA championships that select swimmers for international events (Weston, 2006). The United States has been holding intercollegiate swimming competitions that also involve international students and athletes. The worldwide connection via sport and the rising international athletes in America are beneficial and welcomed. The extended market of talent raises the competition quality for local and international fans and reinforces athletics programs at universities and colleges (Weston, 2006). Individual players gain significantly from economic, career and educational opportunities available at the college, university and club swimming competitions. Numerous collegiate coaches indicate that ISAs do well in the classroom most of the time. International students, whether or not they are athletes, can add a positive dynamic and a vital feeling of diversity that enhances the learning environment and team spirit (Weston, 2006).

Comparison between American and Chinese Swimmers

America has had successful swimmers over the past decades, such as Michael Phelps (Hodler et al., 2018). Michael Phelps put his mark in swimming history in 2000 when he was only 15 years old, swimming in his first Olympics and finishing at position five in the two-hundred-meter butterfly. Throughout his career, Phelps has been associated with several endorsement deals with various companies, such as Speedo, Proctor & Gamble, VISA, Under Armour, Omega and Subway. By selling himself, his narrative, his body, and his likeness, the American swimmer achieved a personal net worth of approximately one hundred million dollars. Phelps is widely acknowledged for having achieved this goal; normally, this is acknowledged by pointing to the increase in swimming participation in the US following his Olympic victories or by mentioning how he inspired a number of other top swimmers (Hodler et al., 2018).

A similar success rate of swimmers is seen in the case of Chinese swimmers. For instance, Ye Shiwen won two gold medals in women’s swimming at the 2012 London Games. Being only sixteen years old at the time, he was able to attract global attention. China reported that she was able to wipe out the record that was held by Aussie Stephanie Rice, a triple Olympic champion in the 400 m individual medley final. Ye Shiwen set another Olympic record in the 200 m finals two days later. These are notable outcomes because China usually does not have the conventional advantages of the Chinese Olympic Delegation projects in swimming.

For instance, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, just six sports, such as table tennis, shooting, gymnastics, diving, badminton weightlifting, accounted for thirty-eight of China’s fifty-one gold medals (74.5%). Thus, Ye’s incredible success quickly gained attention both domestically and abroad, especially in China (Bie & Billings, 2015).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while America places a greater emphasis on a more varied approach and public and private assistance, China places more emphasis on systematic talent discovery, specialized training facilities, and government backing. The majority of Chinese swimmers depend on government funding. When it comes to the development of top sports, both capitalist and communications nations are distinguished by a wide, methodical, government-funded, and government-led approach. American swimmers, on the other hand, rely primarily on business and public sectors as well as individual organizations. Grants, private funding, and governmental funding were seen as more equitable and effective sports funding methods in America that completely benefited the nation’s health. China has an advanced coaching system with skilled and educated coaches, most of whom are associated with sports education institutes. Like its training facilities, swimming coaching in America is diversified, consisting of both seasoned coaches and former athletes who are making the transition to coaching. China hosted a number of significant domestic tournaments that had stringent policies on doping and drug use. However, the United States places more of an emphasis on club and collegiate swimming contests, including the NCAA championships, which are used to choose swimmers for international competitions.

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