Qin Haiyang Speaks On Training With Michael Bohl, Powerhouse Performances This Week

2025 CHINESE NATIONAL SPRING SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Olympian and world record holder Qin Haiyang put on a show at this week’s Chinese National Spring Swimming Championships.

The 25-year-old ripped season-best efforts of 58.66 in the 100m breast and 2:07.44 in the 200m breast to rank #1 and #2 in the world, respectively.

These performances come after a disappointing Olympic Games where the 4-time World Championships gold medalist missed out on reaping any individual medals, despite entering Paris as a favorite in both his events.

However, evaluating his swims at this non-Worlds qualifier, Qin is pleased with where he is at with the Chinese Trials on the calendar for May.

“My performance is similar to where I was in 2023 when I was approaching my peak,” he said. “It’s a good start and a sign that I’m regaining my best condition.

“I didn’t expect this result. My goal was simply to swim under 2:09. Today’s result is faster than my time at last year’s National Championships [2:08.87],” Qin told The South China Morning Post.

The breaststroke ace has reportedly been working with storied coach Michael Bohl of Australia who came out of retirement to begin a stint on the Chinese association staff.

Qin has been teamed up with Bohl for the past nine weeks. Although the Aussie coach hasn’t worked with breaststroke specialists outside of his daughter, Olympian Georgia Bohl, he has guided such stars as Kaylee McKeown and Stephanie Rice who needed expertise in that discipline as part of their IM training.

“Last year, I placed too much emphasis on physical training, which didn’t translate well into my performances,” Qin continued to The South China Morning Post. “I used to think too much before competitions, but now Bohl always says ‘keep it simple’ before the race. It helps me a lot.”

Qin said to expect to see a lot of him leading up to the 2028 Olympic Games.

“In 2024, I didn’t race enough, and it affected my performance in Paris Olympics. So, I plan to compete as much as possible in the future, both domestically and internationally, to stay sharp.”

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CasualSwimmer
1 day ago

I also was too much in shape last year, but I fixed it

SwimmA
1 day ago

Peaty also got too big at points.

Strength in swimming is a marketing ploy.

RealCrocker5040
1 day ago

THE DRUGGYANG IS BACK

PEATY ALWAYS BETTER

Stingy
Reply to  RealCrocker5040
1 day ago

Cope

Tencor
1 day ago

Liu Yaxin just went 1:54.96 in the 200 free which makes China’s 4×200 look very dangerous for silver

snailSpace
Reply to  Tencor
1 day ago

In the absence of Titmus, it might make them look very dangerous for gold.

MARKCAT
1 day ago

qin is backkkkkkkkkkkkkk

About Retta Race

Former Masters swimmer and coach Loretta (Retta) thrives on a non-stop but productive schedule. Nowadays, that includes having earned her MBA while working full-time in IT while owning French 75 Boutique while also providing swimming insight for BBC.

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