China’s swimming authorities have launched an investigation into cyberbullying targeting three-time Olympic diving champion Quan Hongchan, including a group that included some of his national team teammates.
The authorities have also reported the matter to the police.
Quan, who won her first gold at Tokyo 2020 at the age of 14 and two more at the 2024 Paris Games, discussed the toxic comments online about her weight and the pressure she has been under to diet, even though she was already eating very little.
In a show of support for the 19-year-old, the Guangdong Ersha Sports Training Center, the Quan provincial team, issued a statement titled “Say firmly ‘no’ to toxic fan culture” on Wednesday, condemning the attack on the diver and confirming that he had reported the matter to the police.
“Quan Hongchan, as a young athlete who has earned respect for the country, has endured public pressure and psychological harm during his development. We express deep concern and strongly oppose this,” the center said in a statement.
