Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin serves humility with Olympic silver

A Chinese rhythmic gymnast won a silver medal during the Paris Olympics, but despite her success, she did not rest on her laurels. She remains a regular teenager who actively supports her parents. A video appeared online showing the medallist serving guests in a crowded family restaurant.

Chinese rhythmic gymnast Zhou Yaqin tasted success by winning the silver medal at the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024. As reported by the portal "The Sun," her family ensured that despite her achievements, she remained humble and grounded.

After returning home, 18-year-old Yaqin gained popularity thanks to a video showing her serving customers in a restaurant owned by her parents in Hengyang. Wearing her Olympic outfit, she gracefully brought a bowl of soup to the table in a crowded place.

Internet users quickly noticed this unique behaviour and praised it on social media, emphasising that Yaqin remained a regular teenager despite winning the medal. One commenter wrote, "Her family and community must be proud."

Another user expressed admiration, saying, "It's amazing. She is so humble. I see many children helping their parents/family every summer in Chinese restaurants I dine at, I love such an attitude." Another commenter added, "She is a great gymnast and also a good daughter. What a nice person!"

Zhou Yaqin won a silver medal in balance beam exercises, yielding only to Italy's Alice D'Amato. After the medal ceremony, the Chinese athlete attracted attention with her puzzled reaction when she noticed that D'Amato and the third-place finisher, Manila Esposito, were biting their medals.

Inspired by their gesture, Yaqin also decided to put her medal in her mouth, which many people found extremely adorable. This spontaneous moment gained her many new fans and endearments.