As other elementary school students enjoy a life of leisure during their winter holiday, 8-year-old Zhang Huimin is busier than usual as her father has asked her to attempt a 60-kilometer run every day!

 

 

Zhang Huimin, from south China's Haikou City, astonished the public with her performance during the marathon on New Year's Day. The girl crossed the finish line in 3 hours, 28 minutes and 45 seconds. She was just 19 seconds behind the winner of the race!

 

Realizing his daughter's talent, her father, Zhang Jianmin, explained his 60-kilometers a day exercise routine to a reporter from the Nanguo Metropolitan Newspaper. As he explains, Zhang Huimin starts running at 6:30 in the morning every day. She gets a break after completing 45-kilometers. Between 2-3 PM she begins the second part of training and completes the remaining distance for the day. The goal for Zhang Huimin is to run a total of 800 kilometers within a fortnight.  

 

Zhang Jianmin also told the reporter his daughter is very pleased with the strenuous routine and has the courage to achieve the goal. He makes ready two running suits, three pairs of shoes, milk powder and her favorite food.

 

However, many netizens have urged Zhang Jianmin to give up his strict regime, which they say could inflict severe pain on the physically immature girl. They believe Zhang Jianmin can't afford to risk his daughter suffering any harm while on the harsh road to advancement.

 

 

Zhang Huimin takes the second place in the marathon with just 19 seconds behind the winner of the race.

 

Though unsupported, Zhang Jianmin insists his plan was made according to his daughter's true ability. He adds she looks good after her daily exercises and that nothing unusual has happened. This leads him to the conclusion that his daughter is not exerting enough effort in her training and that perhaps he should increase her daily objective.

 

Zhang Jianmin says his training routine isn't compulsory and that his daughter can decide whether or not to continue. But, at this point, is it a good idea to adjust the little girl's training according to her personal feelings alone?

 

Nanguo Metropolitan Newspaper interviewed a PE teacher at Hainan University, Xiao Shuiping. Xiao says marathon training can help young minds develop persistence. But, on the other hand, it wasn't a good idea to make a child undertake large amounts of exercise which could inflict too much pressure on their young bodies.  

 

In general participants in marathons should be above 14 years old and physically mature so they can endure the demands of the training.

 

(CRI January 25, 2007)