Olympic champion Zou aims to expand preschool program

Citing benefits for the physical development of youth, five-time Olympic champion Zou Kai is calling for basic gymnastics training to be expanded to include preschoolers.

But the sport first has to gain a more positive image.

Like any other pursuit of elite excellence, gymnastics training can be tough and brutal－as depicted in some online photos of teary-eyed youngsters working on bars, rings and mats.

But that doesn't represent the whole picture of the sport, said Zou, one of China's most-decorated Olympians and a current political adviser.

"Talking about gymnastics, adjectives such as painful and dangerous seem to always pop up in people's minds, but that's just a glimpse of the sport and we are committed to changing that stereotype," said Zou, a National Committee member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

Having won five gold medals in individual and team events at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics, Zou witnessed gymnastics' heyday at the elite level in his country but is now concerned about the sport's future at the grassroots.

"I've been on top of the pyramid for so long but I am following the sport's development at its foundation level all the time," said Zhou, who retired in 2016 after failing to qualify for the Rio Olympics.

"The fact that there are fewer and fewer children getting interested and involved in the sport, even as a way for basic physical exercise, has worried me a lot."

Affected by the image forged by harrowing photos and negative narratives of gymnastics training, Chinese parents have become reluctant to sign up their kids, instead opting for activities like taekwondo and ballet.

The lack of participation at the entry level has resulted in a shrinking talent pool, posing a challenge to the country's traditional prowess in the sport that was exposed by the national team's no-gold finish at the Rio Games－its worst outcome since China's Olympic debut in 1984.

The national gymnastics program now has about 300 athletes registered in its talent reserve for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, down from around 900 ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, according to Luo Chaoyi, former director of the National Gymnastics Administrative Center.

"We are not sure if the current talent pool will be strong enough to support our campaign after Tokyo for the 2024 Olympics," said Luo, who was elected a vice-president of the International Gymnastics Federation in October.

Citing the model of around 4,000 gymnastics clubs in the United States, Luo said it's necessary to change the public perception in China that gymnastics is only for aspiring professionals.

"In the first place, it should be fun, accessible and rich in educational value," he said.

With the country stridently promoting diversity in physical education, Zou sensed the opportunity has come to give gymnastics a push by introducing basic body exercises based on fun and interactive training to kindergartens and preschool institutions.

"Basic gymnastics practice actually fits in the physical development of children aged 3 to 7 years," said Zou.

"It's not about learning difficult routines; it features exercises and games that help build flexibility, coordination and a general interest in sports."

Zou initiated a startup program in his home city of Luzhou, Sichuan province, in early 2017 to promote preschool gymnastics, supported by local sports and culture authorities.

The program provides tailor-made courses for young participants, facilitated by Zou and his former Olympic teammates at commercial and public venues.

Zou's effort has been embraced by the sport's governing body.

Initiated by the National Gymnastics Administrative Center, the Recreational Gymnastics project, a nationwide program tailored for children, with customized equipment and courses, was launched in 73 pilot schools and institutions in seven provinces and municipalities by the end of 2017.