• Chinese authorities are investigating cyberbullying cases against diver Quan Hongchan.
• Amid online abuse, Quan considered retirement but is now determined to continue her career.
• The General Administration of Sport and local organizations condemn toxic fandom culture.

Chinese swimming authorities have launched an investigation into the cyberbullying faced by diving champion Quan Hongchan, who is a three-time Olympic gold medallist. The investigation includes reports of attacks from her own national teammates and has been referred to law enforcement. The General Administration of Sport of China publicized its stance, condemning "malicious" online attacks and emphasizing the need to maintain a healthy environment for athletes, according to Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, and Channel News Asia.

At only 19 years old, Quan revealed in interviews that she has faced significant online abuse regarding her appearance, leading to feelings of "resistance and dissatisfaction" with her body. Earlier this year, she shared that the pressure resulted in a temporary consideration of retirement after the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics before ultimately deciding to continue her sporting career. Wong's reflections highlight the psychological toll that toxic online culture can exert on athletes and the broader implications for mental health within sports, according to Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

In response to these incidents, the Guangdong Ersha Sports Training Centre, which trains Quan, has expressed its support by condemning the toxic fandom culture and criticizing attacks on athletes. They affirmed their commitment to taking legal action against those engaging in such behaviors and urged the public to focus on the sport rather than personal life details of athletes. The swimming management center has stated that measures will be taken to enhance systems for the "care and protection of athletes," reinforcing their resolve against cyberbullying and false information, according to South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

Recently, controversy arose when a group chat on WeChat, purportedly referred to as Diving Together, was unearthed, wherein members set rules permitting personal attacks against Quan. This revelation stirred public outrage on Chinese social media, with widespread calls to investigate those involved and hold them accountable for their actions. The situation has prompted heightened attention towards not only the mental health of athletes but also to the culturally ingrained issues related to fandom, sparking a nationwide discourse on respect and support for athletes, according to South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.