The doctoral thesis proposal of Olympic champion Wang Shun has sparked heated discussions, as the research content has already been successfully applied to his own training.
On the morning of December 6, 2024, the degree thesis proposal defense meeting for the 2023 doctoral students of the School of Physical Education at Ningbo University was successfully held in Conference Room 408 of the administrative building of the School of Physical Education.
According to the official website of the School of Physical Education at Ningbo University, the proposal defense meeting was chaired by Professor Cong Huping from Zhejiang University and Professor Cao Zhenbo from Shanghai University of Sport. Other committee members included Professor Lu Yingzhi and Associate Professor Zhu Zheng from Shanghai University of Sport, as well as Professors Zhao Liang, Jin Qingyun, Wang Xinlei, Yang Shuo, Associate Researcher Zhao Xiaoguang, and Associate Professor Zhou Zhehao from Ningbo University. Doctoral students Wang Shun, Zhai Xiaohui, Liu Dongxue, Chen Xu, and Li Wenlong presented their proposals. The defense was conducted strictly according to the proposal process for doctoral students at Ningbo University.
Among them, Wang Shun, a doctoral student, presented his proposal titled: “Biomechanical Study of Elite 200-Meter Individual Medley Swimmers Based on a Markerless Motion Recognition and Analysis System.” This topic sparked considerable discussion, with some netizens commenting, “This topic is profound and unfathomable!” According to reports from Sports Weekly, Wang Shun’s graduate thesis focused on “how to improve Wang Shun’s 200-meter individual medley techniques and tactics.” This self-research paper received praise from his advisor.
As an Olympic champion, Wang Shun’s decision to pursue a doctoral degree at Ningbo University had previously attracted public attention. He became an undergraduate student at Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 2013 and completed his master’s degree at Beijing Sport University in June 2023. He is currently a 2023 doctoral student in the field of sports science at Ningbo University, making him the second Olympic champion to study there, following Shi Zhiyong.
According to previous reports from Yongpai APP, during the opening ceremony for the 2023 freshmen at Ningbo University on the evening of September 15 last year, Wang Shun represented all new graduate students and spoke via video. In his speech, he reflected on his journey: “23 years ago today (September 15, 2000), the Sydney Olympics opened. That year, I was six years old and began practicing swimming. The wheels of fate began to turn, igniting my initial dreams and shaping my life. Accompanying the pool, I swam daily until my hands became wrinkled and pale. The monotonous training of arm strokes, breathing, and kicking became my basic rhythm of life. Whether winning the gold medal in the 200-meter individual medley at the Tokyo Olympics, breaking the 17-year monopoly of European and American athletes, or winning six gold medals at the National Games, all of these are responses to my choices and passions, stemming from my unwavering commitment to my athletic career.”
Notably, the topic of Wang Shun’s doctoral thesis proposal discussion has already been applied in his previous competitive training. The aforementioned Yongpai APP report highlighted that Wang Shun expressed special gratitude for the markerless recognition and analysis system for competitive swimming developed by the student innovation team at the School of Physical Education at Ningbo University, which played a significant role in his path to victory.
According to reporters from Yongpai APP, this system utilizes deep learning algorithms, artificial intelligence analysis, and time-slicing technology to capture the entire swimming process of athletes. Unlike traditional methods that require placing markers on joints like elbows and shoulders, this system does not require markers; it only needs to set up relevant equipment above and below the water. This system can comprehensively output important data, three-dimensional models, and movement trajectories of swimmers both above and below the water surface, thereby assisting coaches in quantitatively analyzing athletes’ postures and technical details, correcting unreasonable movements and habits, and promoting performance improvement.
“Wang Shun stated, ‘Competitive sports cannot be separated from the support of advanced technology. Viewing daily training from a research perspective reveals many areas for in-depth study. The markerless recognition and analysis system developed by the student innovation team at Ningbo University has greatly aided the national swimming team’s scientific analysis of training effects. I also participated in project testing and was moved by their spirit of innovation and dedication to the country.’ He added that sports science has great potential, saying, ‘I will specialize in sports science, seize the opportunity, and delve deeply into research to empower my professional career and make greater contributions to the development of the country’s sports industry.'”
