Ryan Choi Defends Appearance Amid Online Mockery, Clinches Asian Games Silver
Thestandard · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong fencer Ryan Choi Chun-yin has shrugged off online jibes about his appearance and fame, saying he does not think he is ugly or handsome. Choi, who was recently named one of Hong Kong's Ten Outstanding Young Persons, was previously mocked by netizens over his looks, with some saying he would not have become well known without his close friend, MIRROR member Edan Lui Cheuk-on. The comments came just a day before his competition at the Nagoya Asian Games, when Choi said he was already feeling anxious and nervous. However, he said the incident did not affect his performance and that he had learned to handle the pressure that comes with being a public figure. Choi won a silver medal in individual foil at the Nagoya Asian Games .
Key Points
- Ryan Choi Chun-yin, a Hong Kong fencer, recently named one of Hong Kong's Ten Outstanding Young Persons, won a silver medal in individual foil at the Nagoya Asian Games .
- Netizens mocked Choi over his appearance, suggesting he would not be famous without his close friend and MIRROR member Edan Lui Cheuk-on .
- Choi said he was anxious and nervous before the competition, and the online comments upset him for about five minutes, which he spent staying in his room .
- Edan Lui joked that Choi's medal prize money would only be enough for a nose job, to which Choi responded he has not considered plastic surgery .
- Choi stated he does not think he is ugly or handsome, and emphasized he has learned to handle the pressure that comes with being a public figure .
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the challenges athletes face when thrust into public scrutiny beyond their sporting achievements. As Hong Kong continues to celebrate its athletes' accomplishments on the international stage, Choi's measured response demonstrates the importance of mental resilience and maintaining focus on professional goals despite online distractions . His recognition as a Ten Outstanding Young Person also underscores how athletes are increasingly expected to serve as role models in handling public attention constructively.
The incident highlights the challenges athletes face when thrust into public scrutiny beyond their sporting achievements. As Hong Kong continues to celebrate its athletes' accomplishments on the international stage, Choi's measured response demonstrates the importance of mental resilience and maintaining focus on professional goals despite online distractions . His recognition as a Ten Outstanding Young Person also underscores how athletes are increasingly expected to serve as role models in handling public attention constructively.