`Like Father, Like Son`

Generational inheritance.

On December 14, 1970, at the Bangkok National Swimming Stadium where the Asian swimming games held for the sixth Asian Games, Cho Oh-Ryun who was a high school sophomore won the championship at 1,500 meters free style, defeating Japanese stars at that time such as Iyida or Murada.

To hop over the times, this is April 19, 2002, and the 74th Dong-a Swimming Games, sponsored by Dong-a Ilbo and organized by the Korea Swimming Federation, held at Indoor Pool of the 2nd Compound Stadium in Seongnam, Kyounggi Province.

When Cho Seong-Mo (17-year-old and sophomore of Haenam High school) touched the time board recording the Games new record of 15 minutes and 49.81 seconds at the high school final round of 1500 meters free style, 1,000 fans in the stadium stood up to clap their hands. Cho showed again that he is the champion in domestic arena by getting the title of 1,500 meters race today after winning 200 meters free style on April 17.

Cho Seong-Mo is the second son of Cho Oh-Ryun (51-year-old) who has been called `Asian seal`. Cho Seong-Mod returned to Korea last year to enter the Haenam High school, his father`s alma mater, and trained hard to participate in this year`s Busan Asian Games after an overseas swimming lesson in Brisbune, Australia beginning in 2000.

As Cho`s father got two titles of free styles 400 meters and 1,500 meters in Asian Games, Cho is also aiming at winning two titles of 200 meters and 1,500 meters in Busan Asian Games

In synchronizing swimming that held in Diving Pool of Suwon Kyounggi Athletic High school, Lee Min-Ji (senior of Dunchon High school) became conspicuous for her play in the high school competition. Lee Min-Ji not only took the title in solo by getting 93.334 points, but added one more title in duet by recording 93.167 with harmonious performance of Hong Yeon-Jin (17-year-okd) who is one year junior of the same school.

In other hand, the swimming event was an abundant party of reaping 85 new Games records over four days` period.

Cho Ah-Ra (15-year-old and a senior of Suwon Songwon Women`s Middle school), who had title of 200 meters breaststroke in women`s middle school competition with the Games` new record of 2 minutes and 30.23 seconds, has been awarded the Most Valuable Player of the Games. Cho Ah-Ra got a lucky ticket to Asian Game in 100 meters and 200 meters breaststroke as she was picked up to a national team member from current status of reserve member with the record of the Games.

Chang Jeon jeon@donga.com