Former Olympic champion Yang calls for active response toward extreme idolization in sports

Photo: Courtesy of Yang Yang

In light of the growing infiltration of extreme idolization culture into domestic sports, renowned Winter Olympic champion Yang Yang has voiced concerns over the detrimental effects the trend could have on athletes. 

Yang, former world champion in women's short track speed skating and current member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), cautioned against the excessive scrutiny and pressure that athletes face due to extreme idolization, warning of its potential negative impact on their mental well-being. 

Extreme behavior includes online harassment and personal attacks, which not only undermine the rights of athletes, but also often erode the spirit of sportsmanship and fair competition. The undue attention could disrupt their training routines and personal lives, ultimately affecting their performance on the global stage, Yang said. 

The national table tennis team and short track speed skating team are two major victims of online harassment recently. Authorities for both sports have issued policies to reject the cyberbullying online, while athletes in the two sports have voiced their rejections toward the extreme idolization.

She called for the implementation of robust measures to regulate online platforms and combat cyberbullying, safeguarding the legitimate rights of athletes and ensuring a healthy online environment. With less than five months remaining until the Paris Olympics, Yang stressed the importance of addressing the challenges posed by idolization culture to ensure that athletes are able to compete at their peak. 

She advocated for the establishment of dedicated support teams to provide psychological counseling and assistance to athletes, helping them cope with the pressures and challenges stemming from idolization culture.

In tackling the extreme actions, fostering positive interactions between athletes and fans is crucial, Yang said, as she encouraged athletes to engage with fans through regular meet-and-greet sessions and signings. Additionally, she emphasized the need to enhance public understanding of the true nature of athletic competition and cautioned against excessive idolization, urging fans to respect the efforts and dedication of athletes.

"Through education and advocacy, we can encourage the public to adopt a rational approach towards sports events and athletes, respecting their hard work and dedication while avoiding excessive idolization," Yang emphasized.