From Olympic Podium to Family Restaurant: Zhou Yaqin's Humble Journey Captivates the Internet
Chinese Olympic silver medalist Zhou Yaqin recently became the center of attention on social media after a video surfaced showing her working at her family's restaurant in Hengyang City. The video, which quickly went viral, depicts Zhou, still in her Olympic uniform, assisting with duties at the restaurant named "Fat Brother."
Zhou earned her silver medal in the Gymnastics Balance Beam competition, achieving a score of 14.100. Despite her success, she has chosen to remain closely connected with her family, even participating in their business. The video, shared by a user called Lord Bebo on X (formerly Twitter), has sparked widespread admiration. Many viewers praised Zhou for her dedication and humility, viewing her work at the family restaurant as a demonstration of strong values.
🇨🇳🥈 That cute Chinese gymnast, Zhou Yaqin, who learned the Olympic custom to bite medals after winning a silver one, returned home to work at the restaurant of her parents.
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) August 16, 2024
For marketing she serves food now in her Olympic uniform in the “Fat Brother”, Local Cuisine Restaurant… pic.twitter.com/RJ63RceWWT
One commenter applauded her hard work, noting how many Chinese athletes like Pan Zhen Le, despite their exceptional talents, maintain a down-to-earth attitude. Another expressed that, regardless of whether this was a marketing strategy, Zhou's actions set her apart from other Olympic celebrities.
Support for Zhou and her family extended beyond her work ethic, with some hoping the restaurant would gain international recognition. Others reminisced about her performance at the 2024 Olympics, acknowledging the challenges she faced during the competition. Zhou had a strong start but had to grip the beam with both hands during a jump sequence to avoid a fall, yet she still managed to clinch the silver medal. Manila Esposito of Italy won the bronze with a score of 14.000.
China finished second in the overall medal tally at the Paris 2024 Olympics, bringing home 91 medals, including 40 gold, 27 silver, and 24 bronze.
