Cyberbullying and the Dark Side of Fandom: Angelina Koehler's Ordeal
World champion Kohler is being driven mad by Chinese automated systems
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After a fourth-place finish in the Olympics, swimming champion Angelina Koehler was left bitter by the victory of the Chinese bronze medalist, Zhang Yufei. This bitterness soon escalated into a storm of online harassment that left the athlete feeling paranoid and afraid.
Koehler, now 24, recounted her ordeal in an interview with "Sport Bild," sharing that she was targeted by Chinese bots using English and German. These bots subjected her to vicious insults, labeling her a Nazi and sending her photos with Hitler salutes. The athlete, who has been diagnosed with ADHD, was also accused of taking performance-enhancing drugs, a claim she vehemently denied.
Such cyberattacks have left their mark on Koehler, causing her to approach upcoming competitions, such as the World Championships in Singapore, with a sense of unease. She wonders how it will be to face the Chinese team and swim in front of a Chinese audience, fearing she may be met with boos.
A Taste of "Bitter Aftertaste"
Koehler's contention stemmed from a probe by ARD that uncovered Zhang Yufei's name on a list of 23 swimmers who tested positive for the heart medication Trimetazidine at a national competition in China in early 2021. Despite this revelation, there was no suspension, leaving a "bitter aftertaste" for Koehler.
Koehler has demanded clarity and a thorough investigation, hoping that the controversial incident will be revisited.
A Brave New World: Alone in the Spotlight
At the Paris Games, Koehler admitted to feeling frightened and isolated due to the relentless harassment. The hate messages have decreased but still manage to find their way to her. Koehler's behavior has changed, and she has become hypervigilant about her safety, even going so far as to avoid drinking from opened bottles.
In an attempt to combat the deluge of hate, some platforms are developing AI systems to filter and shield athletes from cyberbullying. However, it's unclear how Sports organizations, like the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), are addressing this issue or what support they offer to athletes like Koehler. In a perfect world, the DOSB would provide a dedicated contact person for athletes—someone who could help them navigate the stormy waters of cyberbullying and ensure they don't feel alone in their struggle.
Sources: ntv.de, sue/dpa
- Cyberbullying
- Doping
- DOSB
- China
- Olympic Games 2024 in Paris
- Botnets
Related Enrichment:In many cases, sports organizations create guidelines and policies to tackle cyberbullying, provide counseling and psychological support, pursue legal action, promote education and awareness about cyberbullying, and monitor social media platforms to identify and address instances of harassment. These measures are designed to help athletes cope with the emotional and psychological impact of cyberbullying and ensure their safety and well-being. Despite a lack of specific information about the DOSB's approach to supporting athletes, it's likely that they adopt similar strategies to address cyberbullying within their ranks.
The European Parliament, alongside the Commission and the Council, could play a crucial role in enacting regulations to combat cyberbullying, ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes like Angelina Koehler.
In light of the increased use of botnets for cyberbullying, it's essential for sports organizations, such as the DOSB, to invest in AI systems to filter and shield athletes from such harassment. These technological advancements could serve as a vital step towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for athletes in the face of cyberbullying.
