Michael Phelps’ Olympic stretch captures China's imagination

Millions of Chinese social media users have been mimicking Michael Phelps' stretching routine.

Michael Phelps draws attention for his pre-race stretch. Source: Weibo/Getty Images

Last week the world’s most-decorated swimmer Michael Phelps gained attention at the Rio Olympics for sporting big red spots on his back.

It was revealed the spots had resulted from ‘cupping therapy’, an ancient Chinese medicine method that suctions parts of the body in the attempt to stimulate blood flow.

This week another of Phelps' pre-race preparations - a warm-up stretch that involves wrapping his arms around his body - has garnered attention, inspiring millions of Chinese people to copy it.

Weibo. Source: Weibo

The BBC reported that the hashtags #Feiyubao and #Feiyubaobimohoubei, translating roughly to "Phelps crossing his arms while touching his back", have been viewed more than 10 million times on China’s popular social media network Weibo.

Weibo. Source: Weibo

US' Michael Phelps, 6ft 3in, is one of the fastest swimmers in the world with 28 medals to his name. But over the weekend a 21-year-old Singaporean, Joseph Schooling, caused a stir when he beat the champion and took home the gold medal in the 100m butterfly, the first ever for the city-state.

Michael Phelps draws attention for his pre-race stretch. Source: Getty Images