Qin credits Bohl with helping him navigate his challenges. "Coach Bohl is incredibly perceptive about what athletes are thinking," Qin said. "He has a unique way of helping you relax and focus. His mantra for me has been 'keep it simple'. That's what I need right now — to focus on the process, rather than getting caught up in specific outcomes or pressures."

"I used to think too much before competitions. (This new approach) helps me a lot," he added.

Qin's main focus is on the upcoming World Championships in Singapore this July. "My training plan is built around the World Championships," he said. "I'll compete in the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke events. My goal is to regain my best form, but I am not afraid of failure. I think, even if I don't perform well, there's still time before the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics to make adjustments, so I'm not rushing."

He also emphasized the importance of competing regularly to maintain his rhythm. "I'm a competition-driven athlete. In 2024, I didn't race enough, and it affected my performance in Paris. So, I plan to compete as much as possible in the future, both domestically and internationally, to stay sharp."

Qin's journey back to the top has not been without hurdles. "Both mental and physical challenges have been significant," he explained. "As I approach the Los Angeles Olympics, I'll be older, and balancing training intensity to avoid injuries while maintaining peak performance is a complex task."

Despite these challenges, Qin remains optimistic. "Climbing back from a low point is difficult, but it's also an opportunity for growth.

"Coach Bohl and I are still building our partnership, and there's room for improvement."

Bohl, though, praised Qin. "I've been super impressed with the way Haiyang has worked over the last nine weeks. He's been very good in training, great in strength conditioning, and awesome in the pool," said the coach, adding that Qin's motivation and consistency will be key to his success in the coming years.

Qin will be 29 when the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics roll around, but Bohl doesn't see his age as a big problem. He came up with examples like Michael Phelps and Sarah Sjostrom, who both won Olympic medals in their 30s.

"If the spirit is willing and the mind is willing, and the body can hold together, then anything is possible," Bohl said, noting that Qin still has the potential to compete at the highest level if he maintains his motivation and focus.

Xinhua