China's swimming sensation Fu Yuanhui has recently stated that she will not go into show business, after being thrust into the limelight at the 2016 Rio Olympics with her uninhibited remarks and zany expressions.

Since returning from Brazil, Fu has staged several live stream shows online, in addition to participating in a TV program of her home province of Zhejiang.

These public displays were all a great hit, with the most popular attracting an audience of around 37 million and winning 66.8 million "likes."

The number of other platforms and channels that have asked Fu to grace their products has also been growing constantly over the past days.

As the sports star garners increasing popularity, people are speculating that she may set foot in the entertainment game.

Prior to Fu's shoot to stardom, celebrity Chinese athletes such as Liu Xiang, Sun Yang and Lin Dan have mostly been involved in commercial endorsements or reality shows. With her unique character, it is widely believed that Fu will contribute even more to ratings.

However, she has ruled out such a possibility of a change of career, to the disappointment of many.

"I don't want to be an online celebrity, a comedian, or the inspiration for emoji icons. It's just what my character is. But it's not my job to be a cyberspace star. I'm an athlete," she claimed.

"Before the next training session or task begins, I may take part in some of the shows that I like, on the basis of being approved by the team leaders," she announced. "Afterward, I won't join any more."

Fu Yuanhui hosts a live stream, attracting a large number of fans who present her with virtual 'gifts' (R). [news.e23.cn]

Fu joins the TV program 'Champion Fun.' [hz.edushi.com]

Fu joins the show 'Champion Fun.' [xke8.com]

(Source: thepaper.cn/Translated and edited by Women of China)

Editor: Eileen Cheng