China student gains attention for inspiring positivity despite spinal defect affecting mobility
- Chris McMillan
- Jun 22, 2025
- 1 min read
South China Morning Post
22nd June 2025
China student gains attention for inspiring positivity despite spinal defect affecting mobility
Liu walks with an unsteady gait due to muscular atrophy in lower legs, she affectionately calls herself Waiwai, meaning ‘crooked’
By Fran Luin
A young woman with a disability in her legs in China has inspired many online with her unwavering positivity in life.
Liu Yumeng, a university graduate from central China’s Henan province, recently gained online attention when she tried on a skirt for the first time.
Suffering from a congenital spinal defect that led to muscular atrophy in her lower legs, Liu described her gait as unsteady, reminiscent of a penguin. This is also how she adopted the nickname Waiwai, which means “crooked”.
In April, she shared a video of herself experimenting with her roommate’s skirt. Liu revealed that she had never worn a skirt in front of others, fearing their judgment and feeling self-conscious about her legs.
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