China’s Wu Yanni delivered the country’s best performance in the women’s 100m hurdles at last year’s Olympics, is a two-time national record holder and among the fastest women in Asia.

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Yet in her home country, she divides opinion like no other.

Bold and outspoken, Wu is not afraid to tackle rumours head-on about having plastic surgery, to flaunt her tattoos and to stand on the starting block with bright, sparkling make-up.

From breaking decades-old records, trending on social media and lighting up the track, here is everything you need to know about Wu.

Born to run

Born on July 28, 1997, in Zigong, a city in southwestern Sichuan province, Wu’s journey into track and field began in the fifth grade, when she was spotted during a sports competition held in Neijiang, Sichuan. From there, she went to get further training in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province.

Wu Yanni hit a career pinnacle when she won silver at the World University Games in 2023. Photo: Xinhua
Wu Yanni hit a career pinnacle when she won silver at the World University Games in 2023. Photo: Xinhua