At the Paris 2024 Olympics, 18-year-old Zhou Yaqin made a memorable debut by earning a silver medal in the women’s balance beam event in artistic gymnastics.
Scoring 14.100, she finished just behind Italy’s Alice D’Amato, who took gold with 14.366, while Manila Esposito, also from Italy, won bronze with 13.866.
This will forever be my favorite Olympic video of all time pic.twitter.com/djstKnBMzY
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) August 6, 2024
During the medal ceremony, Zhou found herself in a charming and unexpected moment of cultural exchange. As D’Amato and Esposito bit their medals—a popular tradition among Olympic athletes—Zhou, unfamiliar with the gesture, quickly imitated them by lifting her silver medal to her mouth.
This moment of innocent mimicry quickly went viral on social media, endearing her to fans worldwide.
Viewers on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) praised Zhou for her “little sister” energy and her ability to adapt quickly to the traditions around her. Many found her relatable and refreshing, with some noting how this moment highlighted the camaraderie and cultural exchange that the Olympics foster.
Fans also admired her warm interactions throughout the competition, including her habit of hugging fellow competitors. Zhou’s genuine charm and the viral medal-biting moment became a heartwarming symbol of the Olympic spirit.
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