When China’s favorite swimmer Fu Yuanhui openly mentioned her menstrual cycle on Sunday (Aug. 14) at the Rio Olympics, it was the first time many Chinese people realized it is possible to swim while being on your period.

China placed 4th in the final of the women’s 4×100-meter medley relay Sunday, a race won by the US. Fu, who swam backstroke in the relay, was 7th to touch the wall after the first 100 meters. The 20-year-old had earlier won a bronze in the 100-m backstroke.

While her three teammates were conducting a poolside interview (video in Chinese) with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV after the race, Fu squatted by an advertising board by herself, covering her abdomen with her hands as if in pain. Later the reporter went to check on her.

“I feel I didn’t swim well today. I let my teammates down,” Fu said, between gasps of breath. When asked if she was having a stomachache, Fu said: “Because my period came yesterday, I’m feeling a bit weak, but this is not an excuse.”

When China’s favorite swimmer Fu Yuanhui openly mentioned her menstrual cycle on Sunday (Aug. 14) at the Rio Olympics, it was the first time many Chinese people realized it is possible to swim while being on your period.

China placed 4th in the final of the women’s 4×100-meter medley relay Sunday, a race won by the US. Fu, who swam backstroke in the relay, was 7th to touch the wall after the first 100 meters. The 20-year-old had earlier won a bronze in the 100-m backstroke.

While her three teammates were conducting a poolside interview (video in Chinese) with Chinese state broadcaster CCTV after the race, Fu squatted by an advertising board by herself, covering her abdomen with her hands as if in pain. Later the reporter went to check on her.

“I feel I didn’t swim well today. I let my teammates down,” Fu said, between gasps of breath. When asked if she was having a stomachache, Fu said: “Because my period came yesterday, I’m feeling a bit weak, but this is not an excuse.”