Reality bites for ‘immature’ Sun Yang, ‘masculine’ Wang Meng in life after Olympic glory

Olympic gold medallists Sun Yang and Wang Meng are quickly learning that sporting heroics do not necessarily mean being a fan favourite in later life.

The pair have both appeared on reality shows on Chinese television in recent weeks, and the reaction has not always been kind, certainly where Sun is concerned.

Branded “immature” for his behaviour on travel show Viva La Romance, one incident in particular riled viewers. In it, Sun, acting as his group’s guide, goes in the wrong direction, refuses help and advice from teammates and the show’s producers are ultimately forced to get involved.

Appearing alongside his wife, former rhythmic gymnast Zhang Doudou, Sun was accused of behaving “like a child”. Comments spilled over into the 34-year-old’s personal life, with some wrongly claiming he had a son with another woman.

The swimmer’s response was to publish an open letter from his lawyers threatening to take action against those who “maliciously create or spread such false information”, and urging social media users to not “fabricate, believe or share rumours”.

Wang, meanwhile, had a slightly more positive experience on talent competition Sisters Who Make Waves 2026. Involving female celebrities over the age of 30 trying to make a comeback, the four-time Olympic short-track speedskating champion was widely praised for her display, but was also called “masculine” and her appearance like “an emperor entering the palace”.