China probes ‘malicious’ cyberbullying of teen diving champion Quan

Three-time Olympic gold medallist has faced toxic online abuse and considered quitting over comments on her appearance.Chinese swimming authorities say they have ⁠launched an investigation ⁠into cyberbullying of diving champion Quan Hongchan, a three-time Olympic gold medallist, and reported the ⁠matter to police.“Malicious” online attacks against Quan are being investigated by China’s General Administration of Sport, the body said on Wednesday.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Iranian women footballers reveal ‘enormous pressure’ of the Asian Cup sagalist 2 of 4Will Arteta’s emotional intensity drive Arsenal to glory or another choke?list 3 of 4Yamal slams anti-Muslim fan chants as Spain’s World Cup final hopes taintedlist 4 of 4‘Stick together’: Vinicius hails Yamal for condemning anti-Muslim chantsend of listQuan, who won her first gold at Tokyo 2020 at the age of 14 and two ⁠more at the following games in Paris 2024, has given several interviews in which she talked about toxic online commentary over her weight and the immense pressure she has ‌felt to diet even though she was already eating very little.Now 19, Quan told Chinese magazine Renwu this year that she seriously considered retiring after the Paris Olympics before deciding she wanted to keep going.“After the Olympics I actually thought about retiring,” she said.Quan said that she had been asked repeatedly about her weight.“During that time, not just within the team but also in public opinion outside, I saw people every day saying I was fat,” Quan said.“Recently cyberbullying, malicious attacks and false information targeting Quan Hongchan and other divers has emerged online,” the General Administration of Sport’s swimming management centre said in a statement.“Our centre takes this very seriously and immediately launched verification and handling work,” it said, adding that it was working with officials in the southern province of Guangdong, where Quan is from.It added that it “firmly” rejected “abnormal” fan culture.Quan competed in the Tokyo Games in 2021, as well as at Paris 2024 [File: Leah Millis/Reuters]‘Toxic fandom’Adulation towards China’s athletes has included fans obsessing over their personal lives and cyberbullying opponents.