“Don’t keep practicing only in the swimming pool—it’s too small. You just go back and forth in a limited space. You should go out into rivers and lakes more often to train.”

“We need to get out of the swimming pool.”

“Swimming in rivers and lakes means facing currents, which can strengthen one’s willpower and courage.”

(Note: Remarks made by Chairman Mao during a conversation with swimmers in Wuhan on September 12, 1958.)

“Swimming is an excellent sport and should be encouraged.”

(Note: Remarks made by Chairman Mao during a conversation with swimmers in Anhui in September 1958.)