For several hours, Chinese sports fans can look forward to an emotional winner’s photo: After the 100-meter hurdles final at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, gold medalist Lin Yuwei (24) hugged her opponent Wu Yanni (26).
The result is a picture that the country’s leaders don’t seem to like at all. Before long, the photos disappeared from the media – or were blatantly edited. His suspicion: Beijing censored a harmless photo because it commemorated a historic day.
Hard to believe: The regime is said to be disturbed by the two figures seen in the photo. The footage distributed by the Reuters and AP agencies shows the athletes hugging each other after crossing the finish line. Clearly visible: the track number of the winner Lin Yuwei and her compatriot Wu Yanni. The 6th and the 4th.
While sports fans generally don’t need to think about this number combination, paranoia seems to be setting in in Beijing. The numbers 6 and 4 are in the index in China and are no longer allowed on social media because they represent June 4, 1989 – the day the Chinese regime suppressed student protests in Tiananmen Square by being beaten bloody by soldiers.
The Chinese government also took action against the photo of the two completely harmless runners. It either disappears altogether, or – as is the case with the biggest social network Weibo – it appears The photo suddenly turns into a gray box on. Presumably an automatic censor that filters out all unauthorized “code” from the internet.
Crazy racing
The race also gave rise to discussions from a sporting perspective. Co-favourite Wu Yanni was initially disqualified on videotape for an aborted start attempt, but was later allowed to start anyway.
Crazy: After being disqualified, Wu started arguing with the judges and blamed her competitor Jyothi Yarraji (India) for the false start. In fact, Yarraji also started too early – albeit in response to Wu Yanni’s early start.
Suspicious: Wu has been built to be the star of the Chinese team ahead of the Asian Games. After their protests, experts suspect regulators were swayed. What a paradox: both athletes were finally allowed to start the race. Wu and Yarraji finished behind the winner – and Wu Yanni was disqualified after the race.
