Japanese table tennis star Ai Fukuhara came fourth in the women’s table tennis in Rio. But without any medal in hand, she still won many spectators’ hearts, for her cute smile and funny words.

Many Chinese viewers say they felt pity for her after she lost to Li Xiaoxia, saying she was like a little kid that was “hurt.” A microblogger even posted a series of pictures, reflecting Fukuhara’s miserable table tennis career. One picture says “The last big boss has just gone, another is rising.”  

Fukuhara says she did the best she could and thanks her fans for all of their encouragement.

Japanese table tennis star, Ai Fukuhara came fourth in the women's table tennis in Rio.