'Table tennis goddess' heats up Chinese social media with bikini photo

Earlier this month, Sung shared a photo of herself relaxing with friends, flashing a sweet smile and showing off her toned figure in a bikini. The image quickly grabbed attention across social media in China.

"She truly deserves the title of 'table tennis goddess'," one user commented on Weibo. "She has an incredibly beautiful face and figure. She looks stunning, and her skin is so flawless."

Some noted that Sung, who lives in the U.S., does not face the same intense pressure as China national team players.

Rachel Sung poses in a bikini during her trip on April 1, 2025. Photo by Instagram/@rachel_sung_

"For Chinese-American athletes like Sung, table tennis is simply a career, while China national team members bear much greater expectations," another user wrote.

Born in 2004 in the U.S. to a family of table tennis enthusiasts, Sung has built an impressive resume. She claimed two gold medals in doubles and team events at the 2023 Pan American Games, as well as two silvers at the 2021 ITTF World Youth Championship. She is also part of the U.S. team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Jiayu has openly idolized Fan Zhendong, the world's top-ranked male table tennis player.

"I would love to play with Fan Zhendong. I met him the first time about 10 years ago during a trip to China's Liaoning province, and I've admired his game ever since," said Sung at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as quoted by China Daily. "He's the best in the world, and he looks cute to me."

However, Zhendong did not respond to Sung's compliment, prompting playful teasing online.

"The goddess has spoken, but the king stays silent," one user commented.

Beyond her athletic career, Sung is pursuing a degree in cognitive science at the University of California, Los Angeles, specializing in computer programming with a minor in film, television and media.