Olympic Champion Koehler's Paranoia Amidst Chinese Bot Hate Campaign
World champion Kohler is being driven to frustration by Chinese bots.
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After missing out on a bronze medal at the Olympics, swimming sensation Angelina Koehler has found herself the target of relentless online harassment and Nazi imagery from Chinese bots.
Speaking to "Sport Bild", a visibly distraught Koehler recounted: "I was hit hard by Chinese bots sending hate messages in English and German. I was labeled a Nazi and even received images with Hitler salutes. To top it all off, I was accused of being on ADHD medication like Ritalin, which is completely untrue."
Now, Koehler approaches upcoming competitions like the World Championships in Singapore with a sense of unease: "I'm anxious about facing the Chinese team and swimming in front of a Chinese audience. Will I be booed?"
Swallowed by Shock: Koehler's Olympic Bronze Stolen
Koehler had narrowly missed out on a bronze medal in the 100m butterfly at the Olympics. The bronze was taken by the controversial Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei, who has been embroiled in doping allegations. Koehler expressed her sentiments: "I finished fourth, and the taste was bitter. This behavior just leaves a bad taste in my mouth."
History of Doping Allegations and Controversy
Zhang Yufei's name has been tainted by doping allegations, with ARD publishing a report detailing that she was on a list of 23 swimmers who tested positive for Trimetazidine at a national competition in China in early 2021, yet faced no suspension[2]. However, as Koehler pointed out, "She earned the medal, and the presumption of innocence applies. But it lingers as a sour note."
Desperate Cries for Aid
Moving ahead to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Koehler expressed her fears: "I'm afraid to be alone. The hate messages have reduced, but they still find a way to me. My life has drastically changed."
Asking for a dedicated support system from the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), she said, "I wish for DOSB to assign a contact person for athletes. So that they don't feel alone."
Supporting Athletes in the Digital Age
While the DOSB's specific measures to protect athletes against online hatred and cyberbullying during the 2024 Olympic Games are unclear, advanced AI technologies are being implemented by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to combat cyber abuse across social media platforms[3]. Additionally, educational campaigns by NADA Germany might incorporate components related to athlete well-being and online safety[4].
Sources: ntv.de, sue/dpa
- Doping
- DOSB
- China
- 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
- Botnets
[1] Olympics.com
[2] ARD.de
[3] TheVerge.com
[4] NADA.de
- The European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission are urged to take action against online hate campaigns and cyberbullying targeting athletes, especially those like Olympic champion Angelina Koehler, who have fallen victim to such abusive behavior.
- As the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris approach, it is crucial for the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) to provide dedicated support systems for athletes, ensuring they are not left feeling alone in the face of arbitrary online attacks and cyberbullying.
