‘It’s been extraordinary’: Swimming could be key to China success at Paris Olympics Hockey

Paris — China are touted as medal contenders at Paris 2024 for the first time since silver at Beijing 2008 – and swimming could prove to be the pastime which get them there. 

There are several members of Team China who can’t swim and coach Alyson Annan uses the pool to bring team cohesion and unity to the squad. On the pitch, meanwhile, they are showcasing their speed, agility and cohesion.

“In Australia, we taught them to swim,” says Annan. “It builds confidence between a coach and a player when you are in the pool and you say ‘It’s okay, I’ve got you, jump in the deep in it’s okay.