Watch: 18-year-old Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin's adorable gesture after winning silver goes viral

Watching Olympians finally achieve their dreams and stand on the podium after years of dedication is incredibly heartwarming. Equally delightful is witnessing the variety of cultures from around the world.

Recently, a heartwarming video of Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin has captured hearts online, highlighting the unique traditions and diversity among Olympians.

Check it out here:

Zhou Yaqin reaction on the Olympic podium was priceless
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Zhou Yaqin’s adorable moment

Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin won silver in balance beam, while Italian gymnasts Alice D'Amato and Manila Esposito took gold and bronze, respectively.?

After their podium ceremony, D'Amato and Esposito bit down on their medals—a unique tradition among Olympic champions.

Credit: Reuter | Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin with Italian gymnasts Alice D'Amato and Manila Esposito

This practice, a custom from the past when people actually bit gold to check its authenticity, is now more about tradition than verifying medal content, as most modern medals are mostly silver with just a touch of gold.

Meanwhile, the 18-year-old Yaqin, clearly unfamiliar with the tradition but eager to join in, bit her medal gently, adding a heartwarming touch to the moment.

Also read:?Watch: Mondo Duplantis defies physics with record pole vault—his epic celebration is winning the internet

How did social media react

It was the cutest moment, and the internet clearly loved it.?

One person wrote, “Adorable and innocent...and can kick my (grown man) ass in whatever sport this is without breaking a sweat.”?

Another added, “I love that she didn’t even bite it, just put it to her mouth lol.”?

Someone else observed, “It's moments like this when I'm reminded that a lot of these athletes are just kids. Total unsure teenager vibes.”?

Well, Yaqin is literally just 18 years old.?

Credit: AP and Reuter | Chinese gymnast Zhou Yaqin

Another comment praised, “Not only is this adorable and funny, but Zhou Yaqin also went to congratulate every single one of the athletes after their performance. Gymnastics, in my opinion, has shown the best sportsmanship of the Olympics so far!”

It’s moments like this that make the Olympics truly heartwarming.

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