文章大意:本文是一篇新闻报道。文章报道了99岁的澳大利亚游泳运动员George Corones,似乎打破了他所在年龄段的50米自由泳世界纪录,并且介绍了George Corones和观众对这场比赛的态度,以及他接下来的打算。
A 99-year old Australian swimmer appears to have broken a world record for his age group in the 50 m freestyle. The likely new world record holder, George Corones, clocked 56.12 seconds at an official event in Queensland—a new benchmark for the 100-104 age category. He faded the previous record of 1:31. 19, which was set by British swimmer John Harrison in 2014, by 35 seconds. It will now be affirmed by the sport’s governing body.
Corones, who is quailed for the record because he turns 100 in April, said he was “quite delighted” and “over the world” by the result. He said he had been overwhelmed by the “roaring” crowd on the Gold Coast on Wednesday. The event, in which he was the only entrant (新成员), had been specially staged for him to challenge the record.
Corones was a keen swimmer in his youth but only began to learn swimming again at the age of 80. He gave it up at the beginning of the World War Ⅱ, and he didn’t think he would have a swim of any description until he retired. Then he started swimming again for exercise.
Racing undeniably (不可否认的) challenged him physically, but it was manageable with preparation. On average he swims three times a week, and also fits in gym sessions. “At this age it takes a while to get going... you get exhausted much more easily, but if you do it properly, the rewards are astronomical,” he said.
Corones will challenge the 100 m freestyle record on Saturday night, believing he can beat the current mark of 03:23.10, which was also set by Harrison.
“I’m not a young man by any means, but I am rally looking forward to it and confident I can do it very well,” he said.
4. What is the author’s purpose of writing paragraph 1?
A.To show who John Harrison is. | B.To introduce the topic of the text. |
C.To emphasize the importance of age. | D.To explain the reason for writing the text. |
5. What does the underlined word “astronomical” in paragraph 4 mean?
A.Original. | B.Huge. | C.Brief. | D.Precise. |
6. What does Corones plan to do next?
A.Challenge Harrison again. | B.Prepare for his 100th birthday party. |
C.Celebrate his success. | D.Challenge the 100 m backstroke. |
7. What does the author tell us by telling Corones’s story?
A.It’s never too late to learn. | B.He who laughs last laughs best. |
C.One good turn deserves another. | D.Laziness in youth spells regret in old age. |