Wu Liufang, a former Chinese national gymnast, sparked controversy in 2024 by posting "sexy" dance videos on Douyin, China's version of TikTok. These videos, featuring shorts, short skirts, and stockings, quickly garnered tens of thousands of likes, including one where she wore a Chinese national team tracksuit for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Wu recently revealed that her decision to become a streamer stemmed from personal desperation to repay a significant family debt, stating, "To this day, I still wonder if I made the wrong choice that year by trying to earn money myself."

Wu Liufang garnered attention in 2024 after posting dance clips in short shorts, short skirts, and long stockings, as well as a clip wearing the Chinese national team tracksuit. Photo: SCMP

Her content drew criticism from the gymnastics community, with Olympic champion Guan Chenchen asserting that Wu should not compromise the sport's image if she sought attention. Wu's responses led to online arguments, resulting in her account being temporarily locked for platform violations. After restoration, her follower count surged from around 44,000 to nearly 7 million. However, the account was subsequently locked again due to inappropriate content, causing her to lose about 6 million followers.

Wu explained that after graduating from Beijing Sport University, she used her retirement allowance as a down payment for a house. However, a turning point came when her mother fell ill, plunging the family into debt. Faced with this crisis, Wu felt she had no other choice. "Becoming a streamer was probably the most direct way to change my circumstances," Wu stated, adding that the "sexy" style was not her initial preference. She initially attempted travel vlogs but stopped due to insufficient funds.

Despite the controversy and unstable income, which fluctuated from 3,000 to 7,000 yuan per month (approximately 10.5–24.5 million VND), Wu persevered. She recalled limiting her outings due to fear of negative reactions as the controversy peaked, but her primary concern was the outstanding debt. Through her live streaming activities, Wu successfully repaid her family's debt, amounting to approximately 400,000 yuan (equivalent to 1.4 billion VND).

Wu joined the Chinese national team in 2008. Her career highlights include a bronze medal on the uneven bars and a silver medal in the team event at the 11th National Games in 2009. In 2010, she secured two gold medals and a silver medal at the Doha World Cup leg, along with a gold medal on the balance beam at the Internationaux de France in Paris. That same year, at the national championships, she won an all-around silver medal, ranking 4th on the uneven bars and balance beam. Wu's Olympic aspirations were cut short by a neck injury during the selection trials for the London 2012 Olympics. After retiring in 2013, she continued her involvement in gymnastics by teaching and refereeing at youth competitions while studying at Beijing Sport University.

Wu Liufang previously won World Cup titles on the balance beam and uneven bars. Photo: Douyin / Wu Liufang

Currently, Wu's Douyin account has over 800,000 followers, with her content now focused on promoting traditional Chinese culture. She frequently appears in Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire), sharing videos about dance and cultural heritage. "Those previous videos were made out of desperation," she expressed. "They left a bad impression, so I deleted them."

Wu Liufang has over 800,000 social media followers, often appearing in Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire) and promoting traditional dances. Photo: Weibo / Wu Liufang

Hong Duy (according to SCMP)