In recent days, the sports world has been rocked by revelations from Judo Olympic champion Zhuang Xiaoyan, who publicly criticized her former mentor, Liu Yongfu, accusing him of being a wolf in sheep's clothing. The allegations include forcing students to take medication he had personally concocted and engaging in domestic violence against his wife, as well as infidelity.
The controversy has sparked intense debate among netizens, with many questioning the veracity of the claims. Zhuang Xiaoyan, a decorated athlete, has come forward to denounce Liu Yongfu for using her name to create an online persona and gain followers on social media platforms. She recounted how Liu Yongfu would visit her family regularly, persuading her parents to let her switch from shot put to Judo, a decision that ultimately led to her success.
However, Zhuang Xiaoyan also revealed a darker side to Liu Yongfu, stating that he would force them to take medication before competitions, sometimes even watching them vomit it back up. These medications, which she claims were prepared by Liu Yongfu himself, allegedly caused severe side effects ranging from acne to infertility. Additionally, she accused him of domestic abuse and infidelity during his younger years.
Despite her own relentless training and the support of team doctors and sparring partners, Zhuang Xiaoyan suggests that Liu Yongfu may not have achieved much without their contributions. After achieving fame, Liu Yongfu is said to have capitalized on their names to open Judo training classes. Zhuang Xiaoyan questions the legitimacy of his wealth, rumored to be close to 50 million yuan, with businesses such as restaurants and a furniture store where a single rosewood cabinet could sell for a million yuan.
Liu Yongfu has openly admitted to owning these establishments and boasts about his luxurious lifestyle, including a high-end villa worth several million yuan and multiple properties in Shenyang. Zhuang Xiaoyan believes that Liu Yongfu's original intentions have been corrupted, transforming him into a selfish and greedy individual.
The article also references another controversial coach, Wang Dexian, known for his abusive behavior towards athletes. Wang Dexian was notorious for physically assaulting his athletes over minor mistakes and even locking them in with a guard dog to prevent them from escaping. In 2006, athletes including Ai Dongmei took legal action against Wang Dexian for embezzling their wages and bonuses, resulting in a settlement after a nine-month investigation.
While acknowledging the presence of a few bad apples in the sports industry, the article also highlights that not all coaches should be tarred with the same brush, citing examples of well-regarded coaches like Liu Guoliang. As for Zhuang Xiaoyan's accusations against Liu Yongfu, the truth remains to be seen, and it is uncertain whether she will continue to reveal more information.
