Huang represented Taiwan as one of four athletes at the Beijing Winter Olympics. But now she faces a fine for wearing a suit from the Chinese national team at a training session and posting a video of it on social media. The premier asked the Taipei Sports Administration to investigate the “inappropriate process” so that the speed skater could receive “an appropriate punishment.” The communist leadership in Beijing regards Taiwan only as part of the People’s Republic and even threatened to conquer it. Dealing with national symbols and designations is a delicate matter between the two sides.
The athlete appeared in the video wearing a black and red suit with “China” written on it and a small red national flag. The cause triggered a fierce controversy even before the Winter Games in Taiwan. Huang deleted the video in response and reportedly commented, “”Sport is Sportand in the world of Sports we do not distinguish between nationalities. We’re all good friends after the games.” She got the suit from a friend in the Chinese team.
The sports administration in Taiwan initially refrained from punishment. Instead, the athlete was only criticized for not having enough sensitivity to the delicate relations between China and Taiwan. Huang even acted as the flag bearer at the opening ceremony. The Taiwan Olympic Committee has now announced an April review of the incident when Huang returns from subsequent competitions in the US in March.
