Medal-Winning Olympian Confesses To Being Sick, On Her Period During Final Race
As the 2024 Paris Olympics have continued, numerous athletes have displayed their drive and spirit in various ways. For example, the United States Women’s Gymnastics team secured first place in the team competition while the Brazil team secured the bronze medal, each a special achievement for the teams.
Athletes often overcome physical and emotional pain to compete at their best, and one athlete dealt with multiple issues while still managing to make the podium.
On July 31 and August 1, several swimming events held their final races. Chinese swimmer Pan Zhenle broke his own world record in the 100m freestyle. His win also sparked controversy, leading to the gold medalist addressing accusations of doping in interviews.
Chinese Olympian Pan Zhanle Calls Out “Disrespectful” Rivals At The “2024 Paris Olympics”
Another swimmer on China’s team, Zhang Yufei, also responded to allegations following her own Olympic win.
Zhang competed in multiple singles and team events, winning bronze in the women’s 100m and 200m butterfly competitions.
After her win, Zhang questioned why Chinese Olympians were questioned over swimming fast, where their American counterparts were not.
Why are Chinese athletes questioned when they swim fast, but no one dares to question [Michael] Phelps or [Katie] Ledecky previously?
— Zhang Yufei
She also revealed that she was not at her best condition during her 200m race, sharing that she had a fever the day before and had gotten her period on the day of the race.
“I just recovered from a fever yesterday, and today, on the first day of my period, my whole right side feels numb. I did not expect to swim so fast as I didn’t have the usual warm-up – I probably only swam 1,000 meters.
— Zhang Yufei
Her feelings on competing while ill were summed up in one bad*ss sentence, with her declaring she would “rather die in the pool.”
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