Wu Yanni, the Chinese hurdler, stirred controversy at the 2024 Diamond League meet in Xiamen, where she finished 10th in the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 13.04 seconds. Her performance was disappointing to both her and her fans, further amplified by her choice to wear glittery, star-shaped makeup during the race, sparking criticism online.
Some spectators expressed their dissatisfaction, arguing that viewers attend races to watch athletic performance, not to see makeup. In response, Wu defended her decision, stating that athletes should have the right to feel beautiful and that preparing herself with makeup boosted her confidence and showed respect for her fans and the sport. However, many online viewers were unsympathetic, accusing her of putting appearance before performance.
Wu’s career had previously flourished, particularly in 2023 when she earned a silver medal at the FISU World University Games with a time of 12.76 seconds in the 100m hurdles, securing a spot in the Paris Olympics. Despite this success, she faced a setback at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games when she was disqualified for a false start, which she downplayed, stating that failure is part of life and not something to fear.
Known for her rebellious attitude, Wu’s unconventional appearance—complete with tattoos—and outspoken personality have often clashed with traditional expectations of athletes. In a 2023 interview, she also addressed rumors about plastic surgery, admitting to having double eyelid surgery. She explained that, like many others, she wanted to improve her appearance and would not let online criticism hinder her pursuit of beauty. Wu emphasized that her focus remained on her athletic career, rejecting the notion that she was seeking internet fame.
