Wu Yanni, often nicknamed inChinathe “goddess of track and field,” scandalized local media after wearingmakeupwhile competing at the2024 National Athletics Championshipsin Shandong province, eastern China, on June 20.
The 26-year-old won the women’s 100-meter hurdles, looking great as she clocked a stunning 12.74 seconds, the best Asian performance of the season, theSouth China Morning Post(SCMP)reported on July 5.
Clips of theawkward blunderstarted circulating on Chinese social media, prompting scrutiny and divided opinions.
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Wu Yanni, often nicknamed in China the “goddess of track and field,” scandalized local media
Image credits:Baidu/ChinaInPerson
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Nevertheless, a handful of viewers expressed their admiration, as a person commented on Weibo, as per theSCMP: “Covering your eye is so funny and adorable! You are a sincere and talentedfemale athlete.”
After coming in a disappointing 10th place in the 2024 Diamond League Women’s 100-meter hurdles held on the southeastern coast of China, Xiamen, on April 20, criticism about Wu’s physique was continuously unveiled.
Wu stunned after wearing makeup while competing at the 2024 National Athletics Championships
Wu Yanni, although cute & strong, she is one of the most scolded athletes in 🇨🇳.Only one reason—histrionic personality, not modest enough.In 🇨🇳 & even the whole east asian culture, histrionic personality is often associated with arrogance & lack of noble character.pic.twitter.com/qyclIaqkY1
— 五道杠不良少年(PRC Cool Image) (@136Division)June 2, 2024
Video credits:136Division
Image credits:CGTN Sports Scene
At the time, fans of the sport criticized her on social media, as perMSN: “Her excessive concern for her appearance is the cause for her poor performance.”
During the Diamond League race, theChinesenational champion sported dramatic eye makeup featuring star-shaped rhinestones.
Wu successfully competed in Shandong province, eastern China, on June 20
Image credits:VCG/Getty Images
Despite occasional backlash, it is Wu’s physical appearance and outgoing personality, in addition to her impressive athleticism, that has earned her the nickname the goddess of track and field.
Known for her signature pre-race move — a stylish walk and a defiant point to the sky — Wu has become a polarizing figure in Chinese sports.pic.twitter.com/N3q3hGknNx
— RADII (@RADII_Media)July 8, 2024
Last year, the Chinese national champion sported dramatic eye makeup featuring star-shaped rhinestones
Image credits:DI YIN/Getty Images
— Chunyu 春雨 (@Chunyu_China)July 2, 2024
Video credits:Chunyu_China
— Sixth Tone (@SixthTone)May 28, 2024
Video credits: SixthTone
However, China’s General Administration of Sport has reportedly only officially banned footballers from the practice.
Wu openly talked about the issue in an interview with state broadcaster China Central Television three years ago, saying: “I am confident in myself. I don’t have that tattoo for nothing.”
The 2024 Summer Olympics will take place from July 26 to August 11.
Thanks! Check out the results:Renan Duarte
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