‘Do what you think is beautiful’: China hurdler derides gossip, embraces confidence

Top Chinese athlete Wu Yanni has responded to speculation about her potential cosmetic surgery by saying that such rumours are a recognition of her beauty. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo/Sohu

Chinese track and field star Wu Yanni has sparked a social media discussion on cosmetic procedures by confidently declaring: “I look good; that is why they say I had plastic surgery!”

Born in July 1997 in Zigong, Sichuan province in southwestern China, Wu Yanni is a national record holder.

She represents the Chinese National Athletics Team, primarily competing in the women’s 100-metre hurdles.

Her track record includes delivering China’s best Olympic performance in the women’s 100-metre hurdles at the Paris 2024 Olympics, clocking in at 12.97 seconds.

Wu Yanni delivered China’s best performance in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Photo: handout
Wu Yanni delivered China’s best performance in the women’s 100 metres hurdles at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Photo: handout

In March, she broke the national record in the women’s 60-metre hurdles at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing with a time of 8.01 seconds.

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