Olympic diving champion Zhang Jiaqi defends career switch, says she has to ‘find new job’
Retired diver’s live stream e-commerce venture is met with criticism, but she says gaining ‘economic freedom’ would be ‘the greatest freedom’
Olympic diving champion Zhang Jiaqi has hit back at critics who have labelled her career shift to live streaming as “the fall of a genius”, asserting that financial independence is the ultimate freedom for women.
The 21-year-old retired in November after finishing 10th in the National Games 10m platform final, marking the end of a 15-year career and the start of a new life chapter.
Her live stream e-commerce debut a week later sparked an online backlash, with internet trolls accusing her of “forgetting her roots” and being “eager for quick money” after what they viewed as a hesitant performance.
“After retiring, I have to face the situation of finding a new job,” Zhang said at a recent women’s event featuring speakers from different backgrounds, adding that negative remarks would not affect her as she was earning her own living.
“Those comments are shackles others put on me,” said Zhang, who sells products ranging from sunscreen and skincare to pyjamas and plush toys. “I have done nothing wrong; why should I deny myself because of others’ misconceptions?
“For any woman, economic freedom is the greatest freedom.”