Athlete Condemns Online Abuse
German Runner Smilla Kolbe Condemns Online Racial Abuse Against Teammates, Calls For Respect
German 800m runner Smilla Kolbe spoke out Thursday against online racial abuse targeting her Black teammates at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, England. The 24-year-old called for "more respect" after competing in her 800m semifinal heat at Alexander Stadium, according to The Facts.
Kolbe, who is white, finished sixth in her heat and did not qualify for the final. Despite her own disappointment, she used her post-race moment to spotlight abuse her teammates were receiving online, according to Winnipeg Free Press.
Kolbe Speaks Out After Her Semifinal Heat
Kolbe addressed reporters after her race Thursday at Alexander Stadium. She said she was troubled by the level of online abuse directed at some of her German teammates. She did not qualify for the 800m final after placing sixth in her heat, according to Joplin Globe.
Kolbe did not hold back in her criticism. She said she wished her teammates were getting "more respect" online. Her comments drew attention across European athletics coverage, with multiple outlets picking up her remarks, according to Herald Bulletin.
White Athlete Steps Up to Defend Teammates of Color
Kolbe's decision to speak out was notable because she herself was not the target of the abuse. As a white athlete, she chose to use her platform to highlight what her Black teammates were experiencing online, according to Las Vegas Sun.
Her remarks reflect a growing trend of athletes across sports calling out racial abuse on social media. Online platforms have faced pressure from sports bodies and governments in Europe to do more to stop racist messages directed at athletes, according to Lethbridge Herald.
European Championships Shadowed by Online Hate
The European Athletics Championships are being held at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England. The event is one of the biggest track and field competitions on the continent. But off the track, some athletes have faced a torrent of racist messages online, according to BDT Online.
Kolbe studied and competed at the University of North Florida before returning to compete for Germany at the international level. Her willingness to speak on behalf of teammates shows how athletes are increasingly using their voices beyond their own results, according to Lethbridge Herald.
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