Chinese swimmer Fu Yuanhui becomes darling of the Internet. (Photo : Getty Images)
Chinese swimmer Fu Yuanhui made it to the headlines yet again after she told the entire world that she was on her period when she participated in the 4x100-meter medley relay on Sunday.
But unlike most expected, Fu received more love than hate when she did so, proving yet again that the Chinese swimmers' actions and words can become as charming as it is true.
According to BBC News, the mere fact that she swam while she had her menstrual period had been quite a surprise for many especially the Chinese who such act to be a taboo.
However, people had appreciated her even more when she admitted it to the entire world, further proving that her candor and frank remarks during her post competition interviews had been very real.
At the time, Chinese media were interviewing her teammates when they noticed that Fu was nowhere to be found.
According to Shanghaiist, her teammates and the media saw Fu crouching in a corner after their 4x100m medley relay where China finished fourth, missing the bronze by 0.17 seconds.
When the CCTV reporter finally approached and asked her she if she was alright, she said: "My period came last night and I'm really tired right now. But this isn't an excuse, I still did not swim as well as I should have."
After the interview was aired, many Chinese netizens expressed their support for the 20-year-old Chinese swimmer with one noting that she was the first athlete to ever admit that she had been on her period.
Meanwhile, a Sina Weibo user called TAO expressed her admiration for Fu for braving the pain and frankly admitting what she is going through even though not many are courageous enough to do so.
"I really admire Fu Yuanhui, for swimming while she was on her period - women can be affected during their periods, especially with period pain... she felt guilty for coming fourth, but Fu Yuanhui we're still very proud of you," TAO wrote.
