Chinese Olympic swimmer becomes internet hit

By Lin Liyao: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, August 10, 2016

Editor's note: Chinese female Olympic swimmer Fu Yuanhui has become a sensation on Chinese social media after she finished third in the 100m backstroke semifinals in Rio on Aug. 7. In addition to her swimming skills, Fu has been welcomed by fans for her exaggerated and cute expressions and down-to-earth words.

Fu Yuanhui is interviewed by China's CCTV after she finished third in the 100m backstroke semifinals in Rio on Aug. 7, 2016. [video screenshot]

During an interview with China's CCTV, Fu expressed surprise and satisfaction about her performance. After realizing the competition result, she exclaimed, "58.95?! I thought I did 59 seconds! Wow! I made it so fast? I am very pleased!" She even told the journalist that she didn't "preserve any strength" but has used her "power of the universe." When asked if she had high expectations for the finals, Fu answered with a bright smile, "Not at all! I am already very satisfied!" The interview video went viral immediately after it was broadcast, which brought Fu tens of thousands of fans online.

Fu was born on Jan. 7, 1996, in Hangzhou of Zhejiang Province. In 2011, she won the silver medal in the 100m backstroke at the 3rd FINA World Junior Swimming Championships. At the 2012 London Olympics, she finished in 8th place at the final in the women's 100m backstroke. In 2015, she won the 50m backstroke at the World Aquatics Championship and helped China win the 4x100m medley race. On Aug. 8, she took the women's 100m backstroke bronze medal at the Rio Olympics.

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