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
