Tough, poor gymnast Shang sheds tears after losing out on medal

Shang Chunsong of China competes on the floor exercise in Rio De Janeiro on August 11, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

Shang Chunsong, leader of the Chinese gymnastic squad, shed tears after narrowly losing in the women's individual all-around at the Rio Olympics on August 11, 2016. Shang has overcome poverty and sickness to make it to the Rio Olympics. Her story moved Chinese fans deeply.

The 20 year old gymnast, scored 58.032, losing out to bronze medalist Aliya Mustafina from Russia who finished with 58.665.

Since 2013, Shang has won 14 gold medals in national competitions. She led her teammates to the bronze medal in the women's team gymnastics earlier this week, despite suffering from a cold and fever that held her out of training for five days.

Shang's tears were not without a reason. As a girl from a remote village in South China's Hunan province, a medal could have provided her family a better life. Both of Shang's parents are carpenters who can barely afford their lives. Shang's brother suffers from eye impairment and is in urgent need of a large sum of money for treatment.

Shang barely smiles during her competitions. A local media report said her family burden made it hard for the 1.43 m (4.7 feet) girl to breath.

Shang won three gold medals during the 2013 China National Games. According to a media report, the competition prize for one gold medal is 300,000 yuan (45,149 US dollars).

"My greatest wish is to treat my brother's eyes with the prize money," said Shang. Shang's brother used to carry her on his shoulders, travelling in mountains to escort her to school.

Executive coach Xiong Jingbin told Netease, a Chinese network media, that Shang seldomly bought new clothes. "She wears her uniform every day, even outside of the gym. She only purchases new clothes for special occasions upon the coach's request."

Huang Youlian, Shang's mother, said Shang would save up every penny she earned for her family. "She has only spent around 2,000 yuan so far this year," said the mother.