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Chinese Olympic boxing champion Zou Shiming and his wife, Ran Yingying, have sparked online debate after revealing their decision to administer growth hormone injections to their 11-year-old son, Haohao, due to concerns about his height.
Ran, a former TV hostess and now an influencer, shared in mid-December that she and Zou had been worried about Haohao’s stagnant growth for two years. The couple, both 162cm tall, noticed their son, who stands at 136.6cm, was significantly shorter than his older brother, who is two years older and 30cm taller. Despite trying various methods, including encouraging Haohao to play basketball, his height remained unchanged.
Earlier this month, the family consulted a hospital in Shanghai, where doctors recommended growth hormone injections as the "best opportunity" to address his condition. The treatment involves daily injections, with costs ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan per shot, depending on the brand and dosage. Ran admitted feeling nervous when administering the first injection but was reassured by Haohao’s optimism.
“Haohao said he wasn’t afraid and mentioned that many athletes undergo hormone treatments. He even expressed a desire to become an athlete like his father,” Ran shared in a video. Despite her son’s positivity, she acknowledged the potential risks and psychological impact of the treatment, noting that results can vary among children.
Ran’s video has since gone viral, attracting over 20,000 comments on Chinese social media. Reactions are divided, with some supporting the couple’s decision. “If doctors approve and you can afford it, go for it. Being short can cause lifelong regret,” wrote one commenter. Others urged patience, suggesting non-invasive alternatives like skipping, hanging on bars, or jumping exercises. “Don’t be overly anxious. Some kids grow later,” another user advised.
Zou Shiming, 43, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, having won in 2008 and 2012. He and Ran, 40, married in 2010 and have three sons.
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