From a frowning horse plushie capturing Chinese workers’ frustration to unusual medical emergencies and Olympic controversies, here is this week’s roundup of offbeat stories from around the world.
Frowning horse becomes symbol of work culture discontent
A manufacturing error has turned a smiling horse plushie into an icon among Chinese youth frustrated with the country’s demanding work culture.
A factory worker mistakenly stitched the mouth of the festive toy, made for the Year of the Horse, upside down, transforming its smile into a frown. The error has resonated with a generation tired of the “996” work schedule: working from 09:00 to 21:00, six days a week.
The “Crying Horse” has become an internet sensation, with a related hashtag receiving more than 100 million views on social media platform Weibo.
“With a face full of resentment and helplessness, it really looks like an employee convincing themselves to go to work,” one user wrote about the plushie.
Olympic ski jumping officials investigate unusual doping claims
Anti-doping officials at the Winter Olympics in Italy said they were investigating whether ski jumpers are injecting hyaluronic acid into their penises to gain a competitive advantage.
Minor adjustments to body suits, particularly around the groin area, can reportedly provide additional lift that may add metres to a jump.
The issue was first raised by a German physician last month and has drawn attention in the sport, which gained fame through British ski jumper Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards.
Dr Kamran Karim told German newspaper Bild that injections of paraffin or hyaluronic acid can cause temporary thickening of the penis, though lengthening is not possible. He warned that the side effects can be serious.
Bomb squad called to hospital for unusual emergency
French doctors called the bomb squad when a 24-year-old man arrived at a Toulouse hospital with a World War I artillery shell lodged in his rectum.
The patient was initially reluctant to explain his condition, but medical staff discovered the 20cm shell upon examination.
Disposal experts were summoned and the shell was neutralised after the emergency room was evacuated.
The circumstances remain unclear, but police decided not to press charges against the man.
US Olympic venue renamed
US sports officials have changed the name of one of their hospitality venues at the Winter Olympics from the “Ice House” to the “Winter House”.
The facility, located in a Milan hotel, is shared by America’s figure skating, ice hockey and speedskating teams.
Officials have not publicly explained the reason for the change, though the original name shares its title with a term associated with US immigration enforcement operations.
Italian boy offered Olympic role after fare dispute
An 11-year-old Italian boy who had to walk 6km home through snow after being unable to afford quadrupled bus fares during the Olympics has been offered a role in the opening ceremony.
Riccardo was unable to board a bus in Cortina d’Ampezzo when his usual €2.50 fare was insufficient, as local businesses increased prices during the Games.
His experience sparked public criticism of price increases, prompting Olympic organisers to offer him a symbolic role in Friday’s opening ceremony.
