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The Star
27-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
An hour swimming class with China sports star auctioned for US$14,000 for charity
A one-hour swimming class with top Chinese athlete Fu Yuanhui has been auctioned for 100,001 yuan (US$14,000), with the proceeds donated to a local charity. The auction, which garnered significant attention on mainland China's social media, took place on June 18 on a leading platform, according to Elephant News. Zhejiang Ruoque Group, a hi-tech firm based in Hangzhou, secured the winning bid after 19 rounds of competitive bidding for the exclusive package, which includes a one-hour swimming lesson taught by Fu, as well as meet-and-greet activities like group photos and her autograph on souvenirs. At 29, Fu is an elite swimming star who enjoys immense popularity in China. She gained widespread fame in 2016 for her naturally animated and expressive demeanour during an interview with state media at the London Olympics. After competing in the 100m backstroke semi-final, Fu was informed by a reporter of her impressive score, which astonished her, as it was the best result she had achieved. 'Did I swim that fast? I am quite satisfied,' Fu exclaimed. When asked if she hoped to swim faster in the next day's final competition, Fu responded, 'No. I am satisfied with my current score.' When the reporter inquired if she had held back in the semi-final, she famously replied, 'No, I have used all my prehistoric powers to swim.' Fu ultimately claimed third place in the final of the 100m backstroke at the London Olympics and is currently China's female record holder for that event. Her expressive reaction quickly went viral online, inspiring a wave of memes, while her candid and humorous personality won her immense public support. Though Fu retired from competitive sports years ago, she graduated last year from Beijing Sport University with a master's degree and was hired by the prestigious Zhejiang University as a sports instructor. 'It is a rare opportunity and a meaningful experience to be taught by Teacher Fu Yuanhui, the swimming champion,' said the boss of Zhejiang Ruoque Group, who remains unnamed in the report. He plans to allow some of his employees and clients to enrol their children in the special class with Fu. According to the auction advertisement, the swimming class will accommodate no more than seven attendees, aged between 6 and 12, who must have some basic swimming skills. The class is scheduled for July 2 at a sports centre in Hangzhou. 'With summer holiday approaching, we hope this special swimming class will benefit our staff and clients,' the company's boss stated. 'We hope these children can be inspired to love sports and bravely pursue their dreams.' The auction proceeds will be donated to the Zhejiang Provincial Love Fund, a charity organisation managed by the provincial civil affairs authority. 'Thumbs up to this company and Fu Yuanhui for their philanthropic efforts,' remarked one online observer. Conversely, another commenter questioned: 'What can children learn from just one class?' - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
Mint
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Exclusive one-hour swimming lesson with London Olympics star, including meet-and-greet, to cost $14,000
A one-hour swimming lesson with famous Chinese swimmer Fu Yuanhui was sold at an online auction for $14,000. The money will go to a local charity. The auction, held on June 18, became very popular on Chinese social media. A tech company from Hangzhou won the bid after 19 roundswith all money going to charity. The class will allow up to seven children, aged 6 to 12, who already know basic swimming. The package includes a swimming class with Fu, a meet-and-greet, group photos and autographed souvenirs, according to the South China Morning Post. Fu, 29, became well known in 2016 after a lively and honest interview at the London Olympics. She remains one of China's most loved sports stars, especially for her cheerful personality. After finishing the 100m backstroke semi-final, Chinese swimmer Fu was surprised to hear her score. It was her best ever. 'Did I swim that fast? I'm quite satisfied,' she said. When asked if she would try to swim faster in the final, Fu replied, 'No. I'm happy with this score.' She became famous for saying, 'I used all my prehistoric powers to swim.' Fu won the bronze medal in the final at the London Olympics and still holds the Chinese record in the event. Her honest and funny reaction went viral, with many memes created. People across China loved her natural and cheerful attitude. The retired Chinese swimming star will teach a special class for children on July 2 in Hangzhou. Though she left competitive sports, Fu recently earned her master's degree from Beijing Sport University and now works as a sports instructor at Zhejiang University. The company hopes it will inspire kids to enjoy sports and follow their dreams. The donation will support the Zhejiang Provincial Love Fund. Brooklyn Nets star D'Angelo Russell recently visited China to promote his new shoe, the DLO 1, and fans turned up in huge numbers. During his Beijing stop on May 20, basketball lovers paid around $320 for a meet-and-greet experience at a busy mall. Fans got selfies, autographs and even a chance to ask Russell questions during a live podcast. While many were excited, some online users felt the price was too high, calling it 'daylight robbery'. Still, the massive turnout proved how popular Russell is in China. Even he seemed surprised by how warmly fans welcomed him during the tour.
