But he isn't just an Olympic champion - he's also a rapper, a side of him that remained largely unknown until his recent victory. In his song "Changba Street Kid," which went viral online, he raps, "They say I am too crazy and tell me to behave, but I don't care what they say to me..." Released in July, just before the Paris Olympics, Long not only composed the track but also performed it himself.
"It's really incredible; he is a diver and a rapper. How does he balance these two things?" one of the 2,000 comments on his song marveled.
On Friday, Long made a memorable appearance at Champions Park, a venue where fans could meet and interact with Olympic medalists. As the only Chinese athlete present that day, he immediately captivated the crowd. Wearing the Chinese delegation's uniform and a pair of sunglasses, Long confidently took the stage, moving to the rhythm of the live music. With his hands raised high, he matched the beat perfectly, energizing the atmosphere.
Under the Eiffel Tower, Long stood tall, arms wide open as if embracing the world. "In my impression, Chinese athletes are usually shy. Long is such a different guy," a local fan remarked.
What that fan might not know is where Long comes from. He hails from Changba Street in Rongjiang County, in China's southwestern Guizhou Province - a place also known for the famous Village Super League (VSL).
The VSL, also known as "Cun Chao," quickly became a hit both in China and globally in 2023 for its grassroots spirit and festive atmosphere.
Beyond football, Rongjiang has also become a hub for gymnastics in Guizhou, with athletes from the area winning several world championships in gymnastics and rock climbing in recent years.
Long grew up surrounded by this sporting environment. Born in 2003, he began training in gymnastics at the Rongjiang County Children's Amateur Gymnastics School at the age of four. At seven, he was selected to the Shijiazhuang City Sports School in Hebei Province, where he switched to diving. By eight, he was already part of the Hebei Province Diving Team.
In his song, Long raps, "I am a kid from Changba Street... If I fall into a trap, I have to work harder. I'm not afraid."
With a gold medal around his neck and a hit song to his name, Long Daoyi's story has only just begun. As he continues to dive into new challenges and rap his way into the hearts of fans, the world will be watching closely - eager to see where his unique talents take him next.
Xinhua
