TI Swimmer Wins Presidential Election...in Taiwan

by TERRY LAUGHLIN

Exactly a year ago I visited Taiwan for the release of my book, Extraordinary Swimming for Every Body which was published there by Linking Press. To my surprise and delight it became the best selling book in Taiwan for six weeks after its release -- and went through nine printings in the past year. One reason was the bountiful media attention I received while there -- a bit like being a rock star.

Linking arranged a press conference cum swim clinic at the Taipei City Beitou YMCA, which drew dozens of print and broadcast journalists. The main attraction for the press was actually Ma Ying-Jeou, the candidate of the Kuomintang (KMT) party in the presidential election, who came as a guest of the publisher. Where Dr. Ma went, the press followed. Dr. Ma confided he'd been an avid fan of TI for nearly 10 years and that he swims as much as his schedule allows.

As he spoke, the audience of press and swim fans broke into laughter at one point. I asked George Shuang, publisher of United Daily News (who had arranged for my visit and for the book's publication) what he'd said. George translated. "I wish I could swim like a fish, but I swim like a horse (Ma in Mandarin) instead."

Dr. Ma was elected President of Taiwan on March 22 with 58% of the vote (7,658,724 votes) over Frank Hsieh of the Democratic Progressive Party ending eight years of DPP rule. Taiwan's relationship with China will be a signficant issue during his 4- year term. We wish him fair geopolitical winds along with happy laps.