Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin’s adorable and “relatable” reaction to her competitors biting their medals on the Olympic podium has captured the internet’s attention. After winning a silver medal in the women’s gymnastics balance beam final on August 5, Zhou’s surprised expression went viral, endearing her to audiences worldwide.
A First-Time Chinese Olympian’s Sweet Surprise
The 18-year-old Zhou, competing in her first Olympic Games, stood on the podium alongside gold medalist Alice D’Amato, 21, and bronze medalist Manila Esposito, 17. As D’Amato and Esposito followed the tradition of biting their medals for the cameras, Zhou appeared completely surprised by the custom, with her eyes widening in shock. She then humorously attempted to join in by holding her medal to her mouth without actually biting it.
Zhou’s charming reaction quickly gained traction on X, formerly known as Twitter, where users expressed their affection for her “golden retriever” and “little sister” energy. Comments poured in, with one user writing, “Just holds it in front of her mouth! I love it,” while another added, “She is me and I am her, except no, I am not a medalist.”
A Cultural Moment on the Global Stage
The incident highlighted the Olympic Games’ ability to bring together athletes from diverse cultures and backgrounds, showcasing the unique traditions and experiences they bring to the global stage. One user noted, “My favorite part of the Olympics is the cultural differences shown by the athletes. A true learning curve.”
Zhou’s playful moment reflects the universal joy and camaraderie found in the Olympics, where athletes not only compete for glory but also share memorable experiences that transcend cultural barriers.
The Medal-Biting Tradition: A Historical Perspective
The tradition of Olympians biting their medals has become a well-recognized ritual. During the Tokyo Olympics, organizers humorously confirmed on social media, “We just want to officially confirm that the Tokyo 2020 medals are not edible!”
Historians suggest that this tradition may have originated as a way for athletes to demonstrate the authenticity of their medals. Real gold, being malleable, would show a small tooth indent, distinguishing it from counterfeit materials.
Tony Bijkerk, secretary-general of the International Society of Olympic Historians, explained that “only in 1912 were the gold medals real gold. In all later Olympics, the gold medals were made from silver with a gilt layer.” Despite being mostly silver, a hard enough bite could leave a mark on these medals, as demonstrated by German luger David Moeller, who famously broke his tooth while biting his silver medal during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Conclusion
Zhou Yaqin’s viral moment not only delighted fans but also reminded the world of the Olympic Games’ rich tapestry of traditions and cultural exchanges. As Zhou continues her journey as a gymnast, her sweet and humorous reaction will be remembered as a highlight of the 2024 Olympics.
