Fu Yuanhui: China’s disarming and expressive Olympic swimming star
enthusiasm /ɪn&`&θjuːzɪæz(ə)m/ n. 热情
prehistoric /priːhɪ&`&stɒrɪk/ a. 史前的
pattern /‘pæt(ə)n/ n. 方式,样式,典范
sincerity /sɪn&`&serətɪ/ n. 真诚
All Olympians can enjoy the support of their home country, but the enthusiasm of one Chinese swimmer after winning a bronze has made her an overnight social media star, and is changing the view of competitive sport in the country.
"I have used all my prehistoric powers to swim," Fu Yuanhui said in an interview with CCTV5 after she qualified for the women&`&s 100m backstroke final.
When asked what her hopes were for the final, she said: "No expectation! I&`&m very satisfied now!"
That&`&s how she began to rock China&`&s internet and social media. With her exaggerated facial expressions and humor, she quickly became an online celebrity.
She eventually won a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke final, not gold. But that hasn&`&t reduced the affection from her fans.
Chinese athletes traditionally follow a pattern in media interviews after they compete, thanking the country and vowing to do their best in the next competition.
But Fu broke with tradition, showing her own happiness at her performance. Young Chinese social media users have been drawn to her straight-forward character, her sincerity and her attitude towards competition.