Although the origins of the Olympic medal biting practice remain unknown, some speculate that competitors formerly did it to test the metal, while others think it’s just something they do to appear enjoyable in pictures. Whatever the reason, this trend has undoubtedly given us one of the most wholesome moments from the Paris Olympics 2024. After the balance beam final, Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin gained popularity for imitating Italian gymnasts Alice D’Amato and Manila Esposito by “biting” their medals on the podium.
At the age of 18, Yaqin won the silver with a final score of 14.100, while D’Amato won the gold with a score of 14.366 and her teammate, Esposito, got third place. As they posed for the cameras, D’Amato and Esposito chewed their medals, a custom that is now common.
However, it appeared like Yaqin was taken aback by the practice, as she looked over and gave her fellow medallists a second glance. In a cute moment, the first time Olympian quickly brought her own silver medal to her mouth so that she could also participate in the custom.
Afterwards, she gave the custom a go but hesitated from actually biting the medal. Still, Yaqin won the hearts of many spectators with this adorable moment on the podium.
The videos were extensively shared on social media, with one receiving over 8 million views. The accompanying caption reads, “Zhou Yaqin had absolutely no idea what was happening and was just happy to be there.”
Zhou Yaqin had absolutely no idea what was happening and was just happy to be there. pic.twitter.com/RwjxXGbXDI— Ben (@Jamin2g) August 5, 2024
A user commented, “Her genuine innocence is so refreshing to see.”
Her genuine innocence is so refreshing to see. ^^— karasuwich (@karasuwich1) August 6, 2024
Another user mentioned, “She was also giving hugs to every competitor as they were completing their series, she’s so cutee.”
She was also giving hugs to every competitor as they were completing their series, she’s so cutee— Deni Beo (@PopeyeDenis) August 6, 2024
A user remarked, “She’s so pure.”
She’s so pure ❤️— Cari kelas Mandarin? link in bio ✨ (@rossieee__) August 6, 2024
“Protect her at all costs please!!!!”, read a comment.
She won sliver, but she’s pure gold!— A R REDDY (@alwayzashok17) August 6, 2024
“She won sliver, but she’s pure gold!”, read another comment.
She won sliver, but she’s pure gold!— A R REDDY (@alwayzashok17) August 6, 2024
Eight days prior, Yaqin had narrowly defeated her American competitor to secure the top spot in the final of the balancing beam competition, where she finished second to Simone Biles at the previous year’s world championships.
She got off to a strong start with her routine, but in order to save herself from sliding off during her jump sequence, she had to lean over and hold the beam with both hands.
Despite the error, Yaqin received silver with 14.100 points.
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