BEIJING: A former Chinese Olympic diving champion’s quest for independence has struck a chord online, after her mother’s controlling behaviour drew widespread criticism following their appearance on a reality TV show.
Zhang Jiaqi, 22, grew up in a modest Beijing family and went on to win gold in the women’s synchronised 10-metre platform event at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Her youthful charm and exceptional talent have also attracted 3.3 million followers on Douyin.
Zhang began diving at six, won her first national title at 12 and went on to claim dozens of gold medals at home and abroad.
But success came at a steep physical cost. Years of gruelling training left her with injuries to her shoulders, back and feet, while some of her joints still ache in damp weather. She retired last November.
Since then, Zhang has pursued financial independence through public speaking, fashion events and live-stream sales.
In August, Zhang and her mother, Xiao Yingjie, appeared on Hunan TV’s reality show My Little One, where tensions in their relationship came to light.
Throughout the programme, Xiao repeatedly chastised her daughter for minor habits, from leaving a tag on her clothes and ordering takeaways to keeping an untidy room.
Even sitting on the floor to put on her shoes drew criticism from Xiao, who lamented that her daughter’s life was “a complete mess.”
According to mainland Chinese media reports, Zhang felt she had been raised by the national diving team rather than by her parents.
She accused her mother of prioritising medals over her feelings, rarely taking her wishes into account and expecting her to be anything but “ordinary.”
Zhang recalled that her grandmother would offer her treats after training, while her mother urged her to eat less to control her weight.
More controversially, her parents reportedly held all three of her bank cards. When she asked to use some of her savings for investment after retiring, her mother refused, arguing that she was “too young to understand.”
Xiao also opposed her daughter’s move into live-stream selling.
Undeterred, Zhang has been learning about product selection, on-camera presentation and audience engagement. She is also studying English, pursuing an international diving referee qualification and learning to drive. Her ultimate goal is to achieve financial independence and buy a home of her own.
On October 4, Zhang reflected on their strained relationship in a social media post, expressing hope that they could find a healthier balance.
“Mum, like any ordinary girl striving to build a life, I want to take charge of my own destiny and become a more well-rounded, fulfilled person,” she wrote.
Her predicament has prompted debate about traditional Chinese parenting, which is often regarded as harsh.
“A world champion, yet her own mother cannot see a single virtue in her. Many Chinese parents regard anything that falls short of their expectations as a flaw,” one commenter observed.
Another was more scathing: “Zhang has every right to her hard-earned prize money. It is not for her parents to squander on holidays.”
“Her mother fears losing control as Zhang grows more independent, so she keeps putting her down to regain her authority,” said a third. - South China Morning Post
