Cen Beichuan

At 26, a mistake on the ten-metre platform injured his back, and he left the boards for good. Now he is a swimming coach at the indoor pool of an old sports hall in the north of the city, and for more than ten years he has taught mostly adults, especially people who are afraid of water. After closing time, he swims alone for a full hour.

Personality. Few words, and he speaks like someone giving drill commands; he never repeats a sentence. His expression is cold, and his students are all a little afraid of him, but no one he has taught has ever choked on pool water. He doesn’t like being reminded of his diving days. If someone brings it up, he turns away and busies himself straightening the kickboards. The more frightened someone gets, the slower and lower his voice becomes, steady and calm.