Retired Chinese swimmer Fu Yuanhui, known for her "primordial power" interview, now teaches swimming at Zhejiang University via open recruitment, rejecting higher-paying commentary work for a stable meaningful career.
Thirty-year-old Fu Yuanhui stood at the edge of the pool at Zhejiang University, a whistle clenched between her fingertips and raised to her lips. As a clear, sharp whistle sounded, the undergraduate students warming up in the pool all stopped what they were doing and looked up at her.
Back at the
Rio Olympics, that young woman from Hangzhou—who, during an interview in the pool, wide-eyed, exclaimed, “I’ve already given it my absolute all”—became a nationwide sensation thanks to her unvarnished, vibrant energy. No one could have imagined that, after retiring from competitive swimming, she would embark on this path.A public notice released by
Zhejiang University in 2024 made it crystal clear: the recruitment process for this swimming instructor position followed the standard procedures for public institutions from start to finish—from application and evaluation to hiring—and was completely open and transparent, with absolutely no special treatment.
Industry insiders have estimated that, given Fu Yuanhui’s fame and expertise in swimming competitions, she could earn more than ten times her current teaching salary as a full-time live event commentator. With such quick money on the table, many are curious as to what exactly she stands to gain by turning it down.
Fu Yuanhui’s own answer is very down-to-earth: Zhejiang University was once a distant dream during her athletic career. Now that she can work in her hometown of Hangzhou and pass on the swimming skills she’s honed over twenty years—as well as the safety knowledge she’s gained through years of hard work and experience—to young people, she leads a stable and fulfilling life.
During her years
as an athlete, all she had to do was focus on her training and competition results—it was enough just to master her own race. Now, standing on the platform at the edge of the pool with dozens of pairs of eyes fixed on her, she must not only ensure the safety of every student but also make sure each one truly learns how to swim. The weight of responsibility on her shoulders has increased significantly.The career paths of
top athletes after retirement have always been a hot topic of public discussion, and Fu Yuanhui’s choice has provided an answer to a question many have long harbored in their hearts.
In fact, there’s no shortage of people like this around us. They turn down shortcuts that promise quick gains and instead choose a steady path that others might see as “unprofitable.” While outsiders may think they’re missing out, only they truly understand the sense of stability and fulfillment they find in it.
If you know someone who has chosen this steady path, take a moment to talk with them. You’ll discover that their considerations are always far more thorough than others might imagine.
