Quan Hongchan revealed she has been struggling with weight management and admitted that after the Paris Olympics, she once considered retiring, drawing widespread concern and empathy from fans.

(Beijing, March 31) Chinese diving star and Olympic gold medalist Quan Hongchan has, for the first time, opened up about her weight struggles in a recent interview, revealing that she experienced her first menstrual cycle shortly after the Paris Olympics. She admitted that the physical changes made her gain weight easily, even leading her to briefly consider retirement—though she ultimately chose to persevere.

Renowned for her signature “splashless” dives, Quan rose to global fame at a young age. However, with that fame came intense public scrutiny, with attention extending beyond her performance to her personal life, family, and even her body image. Following the Paris Olympics, discussions about her “weight gain” became a trending topic.

In an interview with Renwu Magazine, Quan candidly shared that her biggest challenge in 2025 has been managing her weight. “After the Paris Olympics, I got my first period. I realized that even eating a little would cause weight gain,” she said. The sudden changes left her struggling to adjust, and at one point, she seriously considered stepping away from the sport.

In an effort to control her weight, she restricted herself to just one meal a day, enduring constant hunger. Yet, despite these efforts, she felt her weight remained high—“even drinking water seemed to make it increase.” Recounting this period, she became emotional, revealing the immense psychological pressure she faced.

The criticism from the public only added to her distress. She shared that for a long time, she avoided wearing dresses or shorts she liked, opting instead for long sleeves and pants. She feared stepping on the scale, avoided cameras, and even felt uncomfortable looking at herself in the mirror. Movements she once performed fearlessly in training began to trigger psychological fear.

Looking ahead, Quan said her immediate priority is to rest and recalibrate. “Right now, I just want to take a break, adjust my state, and think about what to do next,” she explained. Reflecting on her fame, she remarked, “When you’re famous, there’s always controversy,” noting how her life has been constantly under the spotlight since winning gold at the Tokyo Olympics—from strangers visiting her hometown to trivial matters going viral online.

While she understands the public attention, she made a heartfelt plea when it comes to her loved ones: “I hope people stop criticizing me—and please don’t target my family and friends.” Her words reveal the human side behind the spotlight.