China's 'Supernatural Girl' Fu struggles at Jakarta Asiad


Fu clocked only 1:00.35, far behind her own national record of 58.76 set in Rio, to finish fourth in the 100m backstroke on Wednesday.
Having finished her individual disciplines, Fu has to look to relays for a gold chance.
Two years ago in Rio, cheerful interviews and goofy demeanor made the 2015 world champion a swimming icon nationwide. Her series of facial expressions spread widely in the internet, and her saying "I've already spent my supernatural energy" earned her the nickname of "Supernatural girl".
However, a haunting shoulder injury cost her "supernatural energy" and she barely earned a berth in the national team for the 100m backstroke in Jakarta.
The outspoken girl even said that she was considering retirement after her lackluster performance in the national championships in April.
Coming to Jakarta, Fu has seemingly bounced back from the depression and fully devoted herself to the competition.
"One step at a time. Come on! LOL," Fu said on her Weibo social media account after winning the 50m silver on Tuesday.
Still recovering from the shoulder injury, the 100m backstroke specialist has first to reach the Olympic qualifying time of 1:00.25 before making it to Tokyo in 2020.
Most Popular
- United States breaks world record in women's 4x100m medley relay at World Aquatics Championships
- Atheletes accommodation centers open for Chengdu 2025
- Torch for 15th National Games unveiled
- China's Qin Haiyang wins men's 200m breaststroke gold at World Aquatics Championships
- Chifeng's sports engine powers regional economic integration
- Chinese government unveils plan to boost football development and youth training