Say "Xie Xie" to Chengdu and become an "internet celebrity" at the Universiade: Audience's sports enthusiasm exceeds imagination | Athletes | Chengdu
On August 7th, China Daily reported that the Chengdu Universiade will bring together university athletes from around the world. Many athletes have gained a lot of attention and fans during the event, becoming true "internet celebrities". Chengdu has allowed them to experience a passion they have never experienced before.
The 24-year-old Estonian middle and long distance runner Dennis Salmianov has more than 2 million fans on the Chinese social media platform Tiktok, and his posts about the Universiade have attracted thousands of praise and comments. After the semi-finals of the 800 meter race, he posted on social media, saying, "I am very satisfied with my performance in the competition, and I really enjoy the competition. The enthusiasm of the Chengdu audience is incredible. Now I can't wait to explore this city, taste the food, and go see giant pandas!"
Salmianov told the local media in Sichuan: "It's very interesting to meet Chinese fans in the athletes' village and talk with them face to face. I like to interact with them." In March last year, with the help of a Chinese friend, Salmianov set up a Tiktok account to share his own training and life stories. He has been trying to use Chinese in his self-made short videos.
After learning that Chengdu will host the Universiade, Salmianov began to "study" the city. He said, "I found Chengdu famous for its giant pandas and technological development." After graduating in June this year, Salmianov began learning Chinese to prepare for his trip to Chengdu. He said, "While I am working hard to master the tone, Chinese is not yet fluent and requires a lot of practice. Because I want to explore more Chinese cities."
Similarly, South African swimmer Erin Gallagher has won three silver medals so far at this year's Universiade. She said, "Chengdu is her favorite Chinese city so far. In the Universiade Village, there are many things to do. I have not participated in many activities, but I really want to learn to write my name in Chinese and learn bamboo weaving. Before returning to South Africa, I must go see the giant pandas."
On the far left is South African swimmer Erin Gallagher
At the Chengdu Universiade, Gallagher and her "old rival" Chinese athlete Zhang Yufei were in the adjacent lane. She said, "It's really great to be able to compete with the world champion. I can learn something here. I love every minute of it, and competing with Zhang Yufei is a motivation because it encourages you to swim forward."
![Say "Xie Xie" to Chengdu and become an "internet celebrity" at the Universiade: Audience's sports enthusiasm exceeds imagination | Athletes | Chengdu](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/cb5de17720474609061275d799d6873a.png)
For Mariam Abdullah, the flag bearer of the current Iraqi delegation and female high jumper, her trip to the Chengdu Universiade was impressive. She quickly became popular on Chinese social media due to her stunning appearance at the opening ceremony, and in an interview, she expressed gratitude for the warmest welcome she received in China.
Abdullah said that this city is very beautiful, and the Chinese people are very friendly and excellent. From the moment we arrived in China, they treated us like distinguished guests. They warmly welcomed us. Regarding the city we live in, it is an orderly and beautiful city. There are well-equipped sports facilities and venues here.
When writing blessings for Chengdu for China Daily, foreign athletes interviewed wrote, "Wishing all the people of Chengdu happiness, unity, love and happiness," and wrote XieXie in pinyin at the end.
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