Swimming Champ Angelina Koehler Haunted by Chinese Bots and Hate Speech
World-class player Kohler is experiencing agitation due to activities of Chinese automatons
Hate messages and Nazi-themed imagery have left a lasting impact on swimmer Angelina Koehler, who placed fourth at the Olympics. The 24-year-old Olympian revealed that Chinese bots have targeted her with vile messages in English and German via multiple platforms, including social media.
Cruelly labeled a "Nazi" and shown pictures of Hitler salutes, Koehler has been subjected to baseless accusations that she uses prescription medication like Ritalin due to her ADHD diagnosis. In reality, she does not consume any medication.
The ordeal has affected Koehler, causing her to feel uneasy about upcoming competitions like the World Championships in Singapore and the prospect of facing the Chinese team. "I can't help but wonder if I'll be received with hostility by the Chinese audience or booed," she lamented, eyes filled with trepidation.
Controversial Bronze Medalist Zhang Yufei and the Doping Scandal
Koehler's fourth-place finish at the Olympics allowed controversial Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei to secure the bronze medal in the 100m butterfly event, leaving a sour taste in Koehler's mouth.
Zhang Yufei features on a list of 23 swimmers revealed by ARD who tested positive for the heart medication Trimetazidine at a national competition in China in early 2021. Despite not receiving a suspension, the investigation centers around an unpublished report by the Chinese anti-doping agency Chinada, confirmed by ARD through several reliable sources.
Koehler called for clarity on the situation, stating, "She deserved the medal, but it leaves a bitter taste. I'm hoping something comes of it."
Cry for Help: Koehler Demands More from DOSB
As the hate messages dwindle, Koehler still encounters a few and feels caged in her daily life as a result. "This feeling of persecution clings to me, and I constantly vet my drinks to ensure no one contaminates them," she admitted.
Koehler yearns for assistance from the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). "I wish the DOSB offered a support network for athletes, so we don't feel utterly abandoned when facing such challenges," Koehler pleaded.
Source: ntv.de, sue/dpa
- Doping Scandal
- DOSB Support for Athletes
- China-Originating Hate Speech
- 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
- Botnets and Cyber Security
- The German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) could potentially address Angelina Koehler's concerns by establishing a support network for athletes, helping them navigate challenges such as cyberbullying and hate speech.
- The Doping Scandal involving Chinese swimmer Zhang Yufei, who tested positive for the heart medication Trimetazidine, has left a bitter taste for competitors like Angelina Koehler, particularly considering she missed out on an Olympic medal due to their positions.
