Chinese swimmer Fu Yuanhui makes various facial expressions after the semifinals in the Women's 100-meter backstroke. (Photo/Chinanews.com)
Fu Yuanhui, a Chinese swimmer at the Rio Olympics, is becoming a new social media star not only within China, but around the world, thanks to her adorable and outspoken interview saying she was "really pleased" with her performance.
In just two days, the video clips and photos showing her utter disbelief at finding out her time of 58.95 seconds in the women's 100m backstroke semi-finals is "already the stuff of legend," said an online report from BBC on Tuesday.
The news broadcasting company listed Fu as one of the "priceless faces lighting up the Olympics," along with U.S. swimming megastar Michael Phelps.
The U.S.-based Huffington Post called Fu the "most lovable athlete at the Rio Olympics" in a Tuesday report, praising her as "the best Olympian" this time, although she hasn't even won a gold medal.
The online media even concluded that "This is Fu Yuanhui's Olympics."
The Sun from Britain also said that Fu's "adorable" interview has won hearts around the globe, adding that she will "live long in the memory," and Australia's news site news.com.au directly called Fu "Rio's new sweetheart."
Netizens were immediately impressed by Fu's genuine excitement. One user commented on the Dailymail's online report by saying "Lovely to see someone so genuinely delighted."
Another British user commented on the online report from The Guardian, saying that Fu "gives a good message to us all: Live for today."
