Artificial intelligence-controlled opponents are stirring up turmoil for world chess champion Kohler.
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Angelina Koehler, the world-renowned swimming champ, is reeling from the fallout of hurtful, racist messages she received following her fourth-place finish at the Olympics. Chinese bot attacks have drenched her in vile insults, dubbing her a Nazi and depicting her with Hitler salutes.
"I was bombarded by Chinese bots in English and German. They called me a Nazi and even sent photos with the Nazi salute," a shaken Koehler shared with "Sport Bild". “It’s been claimed I'm doped up, [expletive] like Ritalin due to my ADHD diagnosis, but I don't take any medication!”
This vicious barrage has left an indelible mark on 24-year-old Koehler. As the World Championships in Singapore inch closer, she's wrestling with feelings of anxiety about confronting the Chinese team in competition and an audience potentially filled with hostility.
"I don't know how it will be to compete against the Chinese team. Will I be booed?" Koehler questioned, wrestling with uncertainty about the upcoming event.
Olympic Blues: Koehler vs. Controversial Cheat, Yufei
Koehler's disappointment is palpable after her fourth-place finish in the 100m butterfly at the Olympics. Bronze went to the contentious Chinese swimmer, Zhang Yufei. In an interview, Koehler voiced her regret, noting the bitterness lingering from the loss.
Yufei’s name has been on the radar of the ARD since she tested positive for Trimetazidine at a national competition in China early 2021, a medication that boosts the heart's performance. However, despite the published list and an unverified Chinada report [1], there has been no official suspension for Yufei.
Koehler expressed her hope for clarification, saying “She has the medal now, and she's clearly earned it. The presumption of innocence applies. But it leaves a bitter taste, and I hope something more comes of it.”
Clear Demands on the DOSB: Support or Else!
In Paris, Koehler expressed her fear of being alone. The malicious messages have lessened but continue to surface. As a result, Koehler's lifestyle has changed dramatically.
“I'm confined by the consequences of this ordeal,” she explained. “It's an oppressive feeling. I won't drink from an unsealed bottle, and I have to be extra vigilant about what I consume.”
Beyond the AI scanning messages to shield athletes like Koehler from hate-speech, the young athlete is clamoring for more tangible support from the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). “I wish for the DOSB to offer a point person for athletes, so they won't feel abandoned," she pleaded.
[1] ntv.de, sue/dpa
- Swimming
- Doping
- China
- DOSB
- 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
Exploring Potential Measures: Best Practices and International Benchmarks
Given the lack of explicit information about the DOSB's support tactics for athletes subjected to hatemongering, racist attacks, and threats orchestrated by China-based bots, it's worth referencing best practices and approaches of comparable organizations and international standards in athlete safeguarding.
Exemplary Procedures:
- Safeguarding Policies: Leading sports organizations generally implement protective frameworks for athletes, shielding them from harassment, abuse, and discrimination. Potential measures include transparent reporting mechanisms, confidential aid support structures, and grievance procedures for athletes beset by hate speech or threats [3].
- Support Services: Athletes may be offered psychological counseling, mental health services, and legal guidance to help them cope with internet aggression and threats. This aligns with the heightened emphasis on mental health and well-being often observed in progressive sports organizations [3].
- Awareness Training: Instructive programs and workshops aimed at educating athletes, trainers, and administrative staff about digital hazards and the response to incidents involving extremist imagery or coordinated bot attacks can be instrumental in fostering resilience and knowledge [3].
- Collaboration with Authorities: NOCs frequently collaborate with local and national government agencies and law enforcement to ensure effective action against serious threats. Strict adherence to protective law for athletes is an essential concern [3].
European Counterparts:
For example, the National Olympic Committee of Slovenia pursues proactive safeguarding strategies, compulsory training seminars, and awareness campaigns to protect athletes from various forms of maltreatment – including online intimidation. It's likely the DOSB adopts a similar strategy, tailored to the German context.
In Conclusion:
While definitive evidence regarding the DOSB's exact tactics in this specific instance is not readily available, it's reasonable to conclude that the DOSB would feel compelled to activate protective measures, offer support services, deliver awareness training, and collaborate with relevant authorities to safeguard the well-being of Koehler and other athletes [3]. For specifics about the DOSB's precise protocols, connecting with official DOSB releases or communications would be advisable.
The European Parliament, particularly its committees focused on general-news and crime-and-justice, should address the escalating issue of cyberbullying and hate speech directed towards athletes, such as Angelina Koehler, who has been targeted by Chinese bots. The Council of the European Union should consider implementing stronger legislation to protect athletes from such attacks, ensuring their right to a safe and secure online environment.
In light of the disturbing incident involving Angelina Koehler, it is essential that the European Parliament and the Council work together to establish policies and measures aimed at preventing and combating cyberbullying in sports, ensuring a fair and respectful competitive environment for all athletes. Additionally, the European Parliament's sports committee should investigate the role of social media platforms in the propagation of such hate speech and advocate for stricter regulations to promote a safer digital space for athletes.
