World's 'most youthful' mother, 50, stuns millions with her super toned body

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03:09

CGTN

In 2016, 48-year-old Liu Yelin went viral. She seldom surfed the internet, and had no idea she was one of the hot topics, until a friend showed her the news.

Right below the headline of that day were photos of her after crossing the Strait of Malacca. She was then nicknamed a "gym queen," "forever young goddess" and "hot mom." The perfect view of her back attracted loads of fans, most were women who wished to have her shape and charisma when they reach 50.

Photo courtesy of Liu Yelin

However, Liu said she used to be like those heroines in the romantic novels by famous Chinese writer Chiung Yao. "I really enjoyed being in the beautiful white dress. I was so sentimental that even a mild criticism could make me break down in tears. I went to the movies with packs of tissues, because I couldn't stop crying at them."

Things changed when she learned to swim. Liu had nightmares as she nearly drowned when she was young. Encouraged by her friends, she tried swimming for the first time at the age of 30. She went into the water with a tire as a swim ring and ropes attached to it. To her surprise, she was able to tread water. After fearing water for over a decade, Liu said she "got the feeling that I had power over it."

Photo courtesy of Liu Yelin

Liu has fallen in love with swimming since that day. She set the bar higher and higher, and eventually became a winter swimmer. Her lifestyle and personality changed a lot. "I felt the boldness hidden in my bones aroused," she said.

Turning 50 this year, she has swum in almost all the waters in China, and even in Lake Baikal in Russia.

Photo courtesy of Liu Yelin

Her fingers were severely frostbitten right before the challenge, yet she didn't give up: "Trying not to be amputated, I turned to every possible treatment in 35 days. For five hours a day, I went through massage, physiotherapy with low and intermediate frequencies… I saved my hand at last and took the challenge."

"When you immerse yourself in nature, conquering a peak or a strait, you are becoming a whole new person. Your heart grows stronger, feeling that you can accomplish anything," Liu said.

Photo courtesy of Liu Yelin

Beside outdoor activities, there are many other things that she's eager to try. She loves showing off her body in bikinis, and even dreams of being the oldest model in China at the age of 80. "I shall be the most charismatic one with the best shape and personality."

Photo courtesy of Liu Yelin

"When people say that I'm hot, they may refer to my body shape," she said. "But I think it should have more to do with my lifestyle." No matter where she goes, Liu will always be the boldest one in the forefront. That's the essence of a "hot mom" that she pursues.

The story is one in The 1.3 Billion series exploring the diverse lives that make up China.