Remember the Chinese gymnast who went viral for cutely biting on to her Olympic medal after spotting Italian athletes doing the same?
Meet 18-year-old Zhou Yaqin, who won a silver medal in the women’s balance beam at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She first went viral on social media after trying to mimic Italian gymnasts who bit their medals during a photo session at the Olympics. However, she has gone viral again, for a very touching reason.
After returning to her hometown of Hengyang City, the 18-year-old athlete was seen serving customers at her parents’ restaurant. A video of Zhou, still in her Olympic uniform, bringing a bowl of soup to a packed table quickly went viral, with many praising her for staying grounded despite her success.
People have been sharing videos of the Olympic-medal-winning athlete at work. Have a look:
Remember that cute Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin?
After winning the Olympic silver medal, she has returned to her parents’ home for a vacation.
Of course, you can’t call it a vacation.
Because she needs to help work in the restaurant run by her parents.?pic.twitter.com/MNy7rHLvh2 pic.twitter.com/r15StYuJTO— ShanghaiPanda (@thinking_panda) August 13, 2024
#Chine ?? La médaillée d’argent à la poutre des #Paris2024Olympics Zhou Yaqin est rentré à la maison et aide au restaurant des parents
? @lsjricna pic.twitter.com/7m9NziL2CV— AsieNews (@AsiaNews_FR) August 13, 2024
The walls of her parents’ restaurant are decorated with picture frames of her gymnastics journey.
In many Asian cultures, it’s common for medal-winning athletes to help their parents or perform household chores, even after achieving international fame. It is reflective of humility and respect towards one’s parents – which is deep-rooted in Chinese cultures. Parents in China often encourage their children to remain modest and connected to their roots, no matter how successful they become.
Several people online lauded Zhou Yaqin for keeping her feet on the ground and remaining humble, despite her achievement at the Olympics. Here’s what some had to say:
Hard work and feet on the ground?.
— Chris Theoharis (@theoharis_c) August 13, 2024
Ah … the typical time for children …
I understand the suffering, just came from our restaurant ???
Work work builds character, and helping family is a fulfilment— Hung Nguyen Tuan (@Katsumirei90) August 13, 2024
Working hard and earning for the family is a noble job. She should be proud. Her medal moment is immortalized in the world of the Internet.
— Vivek Naskar (@vivek_naskar) August 14, 2024
It’s heartwarming to see Zhou Yaqin balancing her Olympic success with family responsibilities. ? So humble!
— Swati Sarangi (@SwatiSarangi10) August 14, 2024
Meanwhile bronze medalist in India: pic.twitter.com/jkqoORpxfW
— Woke Mind Media (@WMM_ONX) August 15, 2024
That’s incredible. She’s so humble. I see a lot of kids helping their parents/family each summer in the chinese restaurants where I go eating, I love this attitude.
— El Pollito Diablo 2 (@PollitoDiablo2) August 13, 2024
She might be 18 years old, but she is such an inspiration!