There was a backlash on-line in China after a TV reporter requested a gold medallist about her “masculine” look and her plans for marriage.
Gong Lijiao gained the shot put in Tokyo on Sunday with a private greatest distance of 20.58m.
In an interview with state-owned broadcaster CCTV after she had gained, the athlete was requested about whether or not she was in a relationship and if she would win in an arm-wrestle with a potential companion.
Gong Lijiao within the ladies’s shot put ultimate in Tokyo
The questions and feedback have been criticised for being sexist.
The reporter, Lu You, stated: “Gong Lijiao offers me the impression of a masculine lady.”
The 32-year-old was then requested about her future plans.
The reporter stated: “You was a masculine lady for the sake of shot put. However shifting ahead, are you able to be your self?”
Gong replied: “Um… perhaps I will have a look at my plans. If I do not practice then maybe I’ll reduce weight, get married and have kids. Sure, it is the trail one should absorb life.”
When the athlete was requested about arm-wrestling, she stated: “I do not arm-wrestle. I am very mild.”
The interview questions have been the topic of debate on-line with the microblogging web site Weibo asking, “Is marriage the one factor we are able to focus on about ladies?”
The talk has been learn greater than 350 million occasions, with over 160,000 posts.
Many individuals gave their assist to the athlete, together with one one who wrote: “It isn’t that she will be able to’t get married, it is that no man is her match… once we discuss ladies, it is not nearly marriage or seems, but in addition goals and achievements.”
The Olympic champion responded to the publish, saying: “This completely expresses what I really feel! Thanks!”
