Core Viewpoint - Zhang Yufei, a prominent Chinese swimmer, reflects on her journey and challenges after returning to competitive swimming, emphasizing the importance of rediscovering her passion for the sport and setting new goals for future competitions [1][9][13]. Group 1: Competition Performance - At the 2025 National Swimming Championships, 12-year-old Yu Zidi won the women's 200m butterfly final with a time of 2:06.83, marking a significant achievement in a selection event for the World Championships [1]. - Zhang Yufei did not participate in the women's 200m butterfly event, which has led to discussions about her absence from the competition [1]. - Zhang's performance in the 100m butterfly improved from 58.21 seconds at the Spring Championships to 57.39 seconds at the National Championships, indicating a positive recovery trajectory [9][13]. Group 2: Personal Reflections and Challenges - Zhang Yufei experienced a mental block regarding swimming, describing it as a feeling of nausea when seeing a pool, which led her to take a break from the sport for nearly six months [3][8]. - During her hiatus, she reflected on her relationship with swimming, realizing that despite her previous claims of disliking the sport, it holds significant emotional value for her [8][9]. - Zhang expressed a desire to return to competitive swimming with renewed goals, stating that she does not want to merely participate in the Olympics but aims to push her limits and achieve personal breakthroughs [9][13]. Group 3: Coaching and Training - Zhang has started working with Australian coach Michael Ball, who has provided motivation and challenged her to step out of her comfort zone [9][13]. - The collaboration with Ball has been described as beneficial, with Zhang acknowledging the importance of having her own ideas and not remaining in a "protected" state as an athlete [9][13].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the inspiring journey of Lu Yibei, a 50-year-old fitness coach who transitioned from being a full-time mother to a professional trainer, demonstrating that age should not limit one's aspirations and capabilities in pursuing a fulfilling career in fitness [1][9][25]. Group 1: Personal Journey and Transformation - Lu Yibei began her fitness journey eight years ago as a full-time mother, initially seeking to relieve stress through weightlifting [9][10]. - After two years of training, she obtained a national fitness coach certification and started working at a local gym [14]. - Despite being considered a "senior" coach, Lu Yibei maintains impressive fitness metrics, including a body fat percentage of 14.4%, a bench press of 50 kg, and a deadlift of 90 kg [1][8]. Group 2: Teaching Style and Impact - Lu Yibei conducts high-intensity mixed training classes, focusing on detailed instruction and adapting to the varying levels of her students [2][4]. - She has built a strong rapport with her students, many of whom are women over 30, and provides tailored guidance based on her own experiences [20][22]. - Her dedication to continuous learning and improvement has earned her respect and trust among her clients, as she consistently ranks among the top in her coaching assessments [16][18]. Group 3: Philosophy and Outlook - Lu Yibei believes that age is not a barrier but rather an asset that enriches one's life experiences and perspectives [18][25]. - She emphasizes the importance of strength training as a lifelong practice that can enhance quality of life, regardless of age or gender [24]. - Her story serves as a motivation for others to embrace fitness and pursue their passions without being constrained by societal expectations related to age [19][25].