China’s government and official sporting bodies have recently condemned fans for using social media to attack and spread rumors about the country’s Olympians. This behavior has been deemed to have an extremely negative impact on the athletes, coaches, and their families. The Ministry of Public Security in China has announced that it will crack down on these illegal and criminal acts of ‘fan circles’ as part of its internet security measures. They have urged people not to spread rumors, attack, or slander others.
The Ministry of Public Security highlighted four cases where action was taken against fan groups for their treatment of athletes who competed at the Paris Olympics. One such case involved fans insulting and defaming table tennis players and coaches. China’s table tennis association has expressed that the chaos caused by these fan groups has interfered with the team’s training and competition. Another case centered around gymnasts being insulted on social media.
The Chinese Gymnastics Association has also spoken out about the negative impact of rumors and insults on athletes, coaches, and managers. This behavior has affected their work, life, and family, leading to a disruptive environment for those involved in the sport.
Swimmer Pan Zhanle, who recently broke the world record in the 100 meters freestyle, disbanded his only fan group page on social media platform Weibo. In an interview with state broadcaster CCTV, he expressed a desire to keep a low profile due to the overwhelming attention he was receiving. Pan stated, “A bad thing about being famous is that too many people surround me. I’d rather not have as much success if it meant I could continue training hard with peace of mind.”
Despite the challenges faced by athletes due to negative fan behavior, China delivered its best performance at a Summer Olympics since the 2008 Games on home soil. The country won the joint most gold medals with the United States in Paris and only missed out on topping the standings based on silver medal count. The 40 gold medals achieved were an all-time high for a Games outside China, showcasing the talent and dedication of Chinese athletes.
Overall, the condemnation of fan behavior by China’s government and sporting bodies highlights the importance of supporting athletes in a positive and respectful manner. The impact of rumors and insults on athletes, coaches, and their families can be detrimental to their performance and well-being. Moving forward, it is crucial for fans to show support and encouragement for athletes, allowing them to focus on their training and competition without unnecessary distractions.