Olympic champion diver Zhang Jiaqi has hit back at critics who have labeled her career switch to live streaming as a “fall of genius”, insisting that financial freedom is the ultimate freedom for women.
The 21-year-old retired in November after finishing 10th in the National Games 10m platform final, marking the end of his 15-year career and the start of a new chapter in life.
His debut e-commerce live stream a week later caused an uproar online, with netizens accusing him of “forgetting his roots” and “hungry for a quick buck” after what they saw as a lackluster performance.
“After retirement, I have to face the situation of looking for a new job,” Zhang said at a recent women’s event featuring speakers from different backgrounds, adding that the negative remarks would not affect her as she was earning her own living.
“Those opinions are shackles that others put on me,” said Zhang, who sells products ranging from sunscreen and skin care products to sleepwear and luxury toys. “I have done nothing wrong; why should I deny myself because of the wrong opinions of others?
“For any woman, economic freedom is the greatest freedom.”
