PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Members of China's swimming team training in Beijing on June 28, 2011 (LI WEN)

People shouldn't groundlessly accuse an athlete of doping after their achievements just because they are from a different country, said Ian Thorpe, a famous Australian swimmer.

Thorpe first won the World Championship in men's 400-meter freestyle at the early age of 15. His success showed how young swimmers can accomplish incredible feats against more experienced competitors.

Ye won a second gold medal in the women's 200-meter medley and broke the event's Olympic record.

Altogether, the Chinese swimming team won 10 medals, including five gold, two silver and three bronze.

Secret to success

In fact, the Chinese swimmers' excellent performance is no accident. Their strengths had been demonstrated long ago.

For instance, Jiao Liuyang, who won the gold medal in the women's 200-meter butterfly in London, was the silver medal winner in Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. Two years ago, then 14-year-old Ye defeated the world record holder, famous American swimmer Allison Schmitt, in the women's 200-meter and 400-meter medleys, becoming the world's second best in the women's 200-meter medley in 2010.

Ye is considered to be a born swimmer. Her big hands and size-10.5 feet give her big advantage in the water. This is a key edge in swimming—for instance, top American swimmer Michael Phelps wears a size 14.

"Ye's gift in swimming is beyond any doubt. Her leg strength is superior, as is her speed, endurance and coordination. She can perform all four swimming styles at a high level," said Ye's coach Xu Guoyi.

However, what Xu appreciates most is not Ye's outstanding gift but her diligence. She trains hard year-round. Immediately after the World Swimming Championship ended in Shanghai in July of 2011, Xu led Ye into preparation for the London Olympic Games. Within one year's time, they have been to a high altitude training camp twice.

"She trained at a high altitude twice a day, and each day, she swam at least 8,000 meters. Very few can bear such a heavy workload, but she made it through the training," said Xu.

The hard training has proven fruitful. "Ye's performance in London has greatly improved since last year, " said Xu.

"Scientific training is the key to my success," said Ye.

In the daily training of Chinese athletes, a research team evaluates their training load and body conditions, so that they can plan the best training schedule while ensuring the athletes' health.

In the past few years, China has also learned from the accomplishments of Australia and the United States, providing another element to the success of Chinese swimmers.