At the recent Paris Olympics, swimmer Pan Zhanle made headlines not only for his remarkable performance in the men's 100m freestyle, where he clinched gold and set a new world record, but also for his unexpected choice of attire: a down jacket.
As Pan entered the venue donning the jacket, observant viewers couldn't help but notice the peculiar sight. This sparked a surge of curiosity across the Chinese mainland, with posts on Weibo, one of the country's most popular platforms, amassing over 10 million views.
Engaging the online community, a Weibo poll revealed a mix of hilarious and insightful guesses about Pan's choice. Nearly 7,000 accounts voted for the practical reason of \"staying warm,\" while a few hundred entertained playful options like \"shyness\" or \"looking cool.\" In the end, the jacket served its intended purpose of keeping Pan comfortable before his race.
Pan Zhanle's dual achievement of athletic excellence and unique personal style has resonated with fans worldwide, highlighting how modern Olympians blend performance with individuality. His down jacket moment not only added a memorable twist to his victory but also sparked conversations about athletes' pre-race routines and fashion choices.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com