Fu Yuanhui is one of the new breeds of Chinese athletes making waves at the Rio Olympics. (Photo : Getty Images)
These athletes are not only being famous for their good physique but are showing a new kind of prowess which is unusual from the Chinese athletes in past Olympics.
Athletes like Sun Yang and Fu Yuanhui show their colorful personalities in the pool. Last week, Sun Yang and Horton, another Australian swimmer were in a feud over racist remarks and sparked anger from many fans in China.
Sun Yang did not answer back but gave justice to the country by willing the first gold in the 200m freestyle event.
He said, "I just want to prove that the Asians can also challenge and upset the Westerners in their strong events. I just want to stand up high for Asian swimming."
Fu, another Chinese swimmer, caught online and media attention when she made faces before the 100m backstroke final. She won the bronze medal.
In an interview, she said, "It's (the interview) too terrible to watch. I didn't expect so many would like me. Their taste must be hardcore."
She went viral and her blog that got 50,000 views went up to 4.5 million hits.
NBA All-Star Yao Ming, champion hurdler Liu Xiang and tennis Grand Slam winner Li Na are few of the athletes who have made their international claim to fame. Sun Yang and the younger athletes are gearing up to be world-known.
However, observers said that these athletes still need maturity and more experience.
Li Shengxin, a sports management expert at Beijing Sports University, said, "Since the retirement of Yao, Liu, and Li, China covets new sports heroes with international influence."
He added, "The Olympics has offered a marquee stage, but it seems the young stars haven't been fully prepared to take the baton. The lack of competence in fame management and PR skills, as well as inconsistent athletic performances, is taking its toll on their stardom."
