In an interview with Renwu magazine on Monday, the 19-year-old said managing her weight has become the toughest part of growing older, according to the South China Morning Post.

“People keep saying my weight is very heavy,” she said. “I am terrified of the scale now because so many people are saying I am fat.”

Since winning gold in the women’s 10m platform at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Quan has grown 10 cm to 1.58 m and gained about 8 kg, a natural change she says has been difficult in a sport highly sensitive to weight.

During the 2025 World Cup season, she was repeatedly called “fat” online, creating what she described as a “psychological shadow”.

“For a long time, I didn’t dare wear the skirts or shorts I liked, hiding my limbs in long sleeves and pants. I avoided mirrors and cameras, and felt resistance towards my own body,” she said.

She said she struggled to lose weight even after limiting herself to eating only a single meal a day.

“I can’t accept being this fat but there is nothing I can do. I gain weight even from drinking water,” she said.

Quan said she rarely speaks about her struggles to avoid burdening others and spreading negative energy but admitted she has reached her limit mentally and physically.

The pressure has forced her to take another break, after a previous pause ahead of the National Games. Even while on break, she said she continues to face constant questions about training and her future.

“I hope those attacking me will stop cursing me, my family and my friends. Otherwise, they will all distance themselves from me. Everyone has it hard, I understand that,” she said in response to the online attacks.

In 2025, Quan competed in four events, including two World Cup stops, the World Cup Final and the National Games. She won silver in the individual events at the World Cups with scores above 400, considered the elite benchmark for China’s national team.

At the National Games, she skipped the individual event but secured the 10m synchro team title by 0.9 points, before finishing fifth in the women’s 10m synchro final.

Returning to training during her break brought back feelings of “oppression and fear”, she said.

“But it’s OK. Many people endure this, and I should be able to as well,” she said. “This will eventually pass, though I don’t know when.”

Quan said she is focused on regaining her mental balance before deciding her next steps. “I want my time to last a bit longer … now I want time to slow down. I don’t want to grow up so fast.”

She added that she has become more sensitive to others’ judgment and now feels uneasy about interviews. “I’m not sure if I’m still a brave person. I just hope time can slow down and give me more time.”

Internet users have voiced support for Quan Hongchan on social media after the interview, urging her to stay positive and avoid putting too much pressure on herself, according to the Global Times.

“Quan Hongchan is still just a child. She should be able to live happily and freely, without caring too much about what others think,” one person said.

“Quan reached the peak of her professional career before even coming of age. Life is a long journey. Just be your true self, don’t let others influence you, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself,” said another.