WATCH: Chinese Gymnast Spotted Serving Food at Restaurant Days After Winning Olympics Silver

Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin became a sensation at the Paris Olympics 2024, where she secured a silver medal in the balance beam event. The 18-year-old’s joyful moment on the podium, where she playfully attempted to bite her medal, captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The charming scene quickly went viral on social media, showcasing Zhou’s infectious spirit.

Zhou finished second in the balance beam event, flanked by Italian gymnasts Alice D’Amato, who won gold, and Manila Esposito, who took bronze. The playful moment came when the two Italians bit their medals for the cameras, prompting Zhou to mimic the gesture, creating a delightful and widely shared image.

Following her Olympic success, Zhou has once again captured the internet’s attention, this time in a more humble setting. A heartwarming video showcasing Zhou lending a hand at her family’s restaurant in her hometown of Hengyang, Hunan province, has taken the internet by storm. The video of the Olympic medalist serving customers in an apron stands in stark contrast to the glitz and glamour associated with elite athletes, yet it’s this authenticity that has resonated deeply with people.

🇨🇳🥈 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.

For marketing she serves food now in her Olympic uniform in the “Fat Brother”, Local Cuisine Restaurant… pic.twitter.com/RJ63RceWWT

— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) August 16, 2024

Zhou Yaqin, at just 18 years old, has already built an impressive gymnastics career, particularly in the balance beam event. She began her journey in gymnastics at the tender age of three and quickly rose to prominence. In 2020, she won individual gold at the Chinese Championships in the balance beam. Her achievements continued at the senior level, where she clinched gold at the National Games of China and the World Championships before earning her first Olympic medal in Paris.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Zhou qualified ahead of legendary gymnast Simone Biles and secured the silver medal with a score of 14.100, just behind D’Amato’s 14.366. Zhou’s performance was notable as she once again outperformed Biles, who finished fifth in the event.