Chinese track and field star Wu Yanni has sparked a social media discussion on cosmetic procedures by confidently declaring: “I look good; that is why they say I had plastic surgery!” Born in July 1997 in Zigong, Sichuan province in southwestern China, Wu Yanni is a national record holder. She represents the Chinese National Athletics Team, primarily competing in the women’s 100-metre hurdles. Her track record includes delivering China’s best Olympic performance in the women’s 100-metre hurdles at the Paris 2024 Olympics, clocking in at 12.97 seconds. In March, she broke the national record in the women’s 60-metre hurdles at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing with a time of 8.01 seconds. Alongside her athletic achievements, Wu has faced a barrage of online criticism and speculation over the heavy make-up she wears during competitions and questions about whether she has had plastic surgery. “I think I am beautiful when I wear make-up. I enjoy trying different make-up looks and styles. When people say that I have had plastic surgery, I actually take it as a form of recognition of my beauty,” she said in an interview with Yitiao. “Just proves that I am really good looking, right? That is why they are saying I have had plastic surgery. Agree? Nods!” she added. Wu also said that her sense of self-reliance and inner strength was instilled by her grandfather, who taught her to “be self-loving and to earn what you want through hard work”. She revealed that her mother experienced severe post-partum bleeding and that it was her grandfather who began caring for her just three days after she was born. This is not the first time Wu has faced public scrutiny. She has been criticised for her distinctive pre-race ritual, which features her signature gesture of pointing upwards, mockingly described by some as “a witch pointing to the sky”. “It is actually a connection between me and my grandpa. I point to the sky hoping he blesses me to perform well in the competition,” she said. Wu is currently preparing for the Chinese Athletics Championships and has also delivered a powerful message of empowerment, encouraging young girls to embrace their individuality and redefine beauty on their own terms. “That is why I want to tell every girl, do not pay attention to anyone else. Do what makes you feel beautiful,” she said. statement has sparked heated debate online and divided public opinion. One supporter wrote: “I hope my daughter can be as strong as Wu Yanni!” “This girl has great results, her cosmetic surgery looks good, and she has a vibrant personality. So what if she made a few hand gestures during the competition?” said another person. However, a third online observer said: “When people say she has had plastic surgery, it is not a compliment. They are pointing out how much her appearance has changed since her debut.”