YUZURU HANYU: CHINESE NETIZENS' OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT FOR JAPAN SKATER
28Yuzuru Hanyu: Chinese netizens' outpouring of support for Japan skater
Chinese netizens have rallied around Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu after the two time defending Olympic champion fell on his final skate. failing to reclaim his title. The support for the star comes just two days after Chinese social media users savaged one of their own athletes. US born Zhu Yi also fell twice in her routine at the Beijing Games. However. Hanyu has long been a crowd favourite in China. despite its political tensions with Japan. On Thursday. Chinese social platform Weibo overflowed with messages of support for the 27 year old after his failed attempts to reclaim his title. The hashtag #AmericanPlayerChenWeiGoldMedal was also trending. reflecting US skater Nathan Chen's victory. Many applauded the 22 year old's win. which included a world record short programme. But some also criticised Chen. saying he had 'insulted China' with previous comments about alleged human rights abuses in the country. Athletes who have Chinese heritage or who represent Team China but were born overseas have gained particular attention during these Winter Games in Beijing. often fuelled by ultra nationalist commentators online. Figure skater Zhu Yi. 19. who gave up her US citizenship to join Team China. came under attack earlier this week for being picked for the Chinese team event over locally born skaters. In contrast. US born freeskier Eileen Gu is widely adored in...
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