Pallade Veneta - China says investigating 'malicious' cyberbullying of teen diving star

The three-time Olympic gold medallist, 19, recently revealed in a tearful interview that she had considered retiring after intense scrutiny over her weight.

"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.

Adulation towards China's sports stars has included fans obsessing over athletes' personal lives and cyberbullying opponents.

State media have called such behaviour "toxic fandom" and Chinese authorities vowed to crack down on it.

Quan won gold at the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games in 2021 when she was just 14. She won two more golds in Paris in 2024.

Now one of China's most popular athletes, crowds have descended on the teenager's hometown and mobbed her at hotels.

Quan's swimming club also said on Wednesday it had "reported the case" to police.

"Athletes are a valuable national asset," the Guangdong-based Ersha Sport Training Centre said on social media.

"Any act of malicious slander, insult or spreading false information against athletes and their families has crossed the legal and moral line," it added.

Quan said in an emotional interview with Chinese magazine Renwu published last month that she started her periods after the Paris Games, which caused her to gain weight even when only "eating a little".

"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.

A.Graziadei--PV