Chinese swimmer Fu charms with period straight talk

Fu Yuanhui, who won a bronze medal in the 100m, has proved a bright spot in a so far disappointing Olympics for China. Photograph: David Gray/Reuters

Already adored for her winsome facial expressions and joyful over-enthusiasm, Chinese swimmer Fu Yuanhui has won fresh praise online for speaking frankly about having her period while competing in Rio.

Long a taboo subject for female athletes, the 20-year-old -- whose goofy, charming pool-side antics have turned her into a viral sensation -- explained frankly why she'd looked tired at the end of the 4x100-metre medley relay, where the Chinese team placed fourth.