Olympians like Fe Yuanhi gained overnight social media fame during the 2016 Rio Olympics. (Photo : Getty Images)
In the past, Chinese pride highly depended on its athletes. Not making it to the gold spot was a public disgrace.
This was true for track and field medalist Liu Xiang who won a gold medal during the 2004 Athens Olympics but lost in Beijing and London. He retired prematurely because he regarded himself a letdown to the country.
However, the face of Chinese Olympians changed during the 2016 Rio Olympics where athletes like Fe Yuanhi, a bronze medalist in women's swimming, became the image of Chinese nationalism online.
The athlete gained fame and millions of followers on social media for her expressions such as "OMG I was that fast! 58.95 seconds? I thought it was 59 seconds!"
She also became famous when she finished fourth in the 4x100 meter race, and admitting that she was on her period.
"I didn't swim well enough this time," she said and apologized to her team-mates. "It's because my period came yesterday, so I felt particularly tired - but this isn't a reason, I still didn't swim well enough."
One Sina Weibo user, TAO, said, "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."
Another Chinese athlete, Ning Zetao gained popularity in swimming as well as his good physique. His muscular body gained him the nickname of "baozi" or steamed buns.
To this, Zetao issued a statement that said, "There has suddenly been news recently about the Steamed Bun that has caused concern among many leaders, media, friends, family and Bun fans who have come one after another to show concern and seek proof."
He then clarified that "Striving for glory for the nation at the Olympics is without a doubt the biggest dream of a lifetime for all athletes and is my greatest motivation in training hard and swimming forward each day."
