The contrasting appearances on reality shows recently by Olympic legends Sun Yang and Wang Meng have exposed the deep-seated contradictions Chinese athletes face when transitioning from training halls to complex social environments.

A large number of retired sportspersons in China still face significant employment challenges, research shows, with athletes themselves noting the need to prepare early.

The two prominent Chinese Olympic champions appeared on different popular variety shows, sparking intense social media debate over their performances.

Swimming champion Sun, who has gradually returned to the public eye starting two years ago after a four-year suspension, took part in a travel show with his wife.

Audiences widely criticised his behaviour on the show as “immature”, leading him to issue a lawyer’s letter in response to public pressure.

Critics have argued that his behaviour was a direct result of “social detachment” caused by decades of isolated, high-intensity training.