German athlete decries racist abuse, calls for more respect

A German athlete competing in the European Championships has called for greater respect towards athletes representing the nation, particularly in light of racist comments surfacing online. The 24-year-old runner, who participated in the women's 800m race, shared her distress over the harsh remarks directed at some athletes after competitions.

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I read a lot of comments and am truly grateful for all the support we receive. But I also see very cruel comments under some athletes' posts. I would like us to represent Germany here and receive support from all spectators. I would expect a little more respect.

"I read a lot of comments and am truly grateful for all the support we receive. But I also see very cruel comments under some athletes' posts," the athlete stated in an interview. "I would like us to represent Germany here and receive support from all spectators. I would expect a little more respect."

She emphasized the importance of her message, adding, "I don't want to imagine what it would be like if I weren't white. It was important for me to say that. I hope all spectators show due respect and enjoy the excellent performances of our athletes."

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I don't want to imagine what it would be like if I weren't white. It was important for me to say that. I hope all spectators show due respect and enjoy the excellent performances of our athletes.

The athlete did not specify which athletes were targeted by the online insults. Meanwhile, World Athletics is actively working to combat online abuse. The international governing body has analyzed over 1.4 million posts and is implementing initiatives to equip athletes with the means to protect themselves from online violence and insults. "One of the most important achievements of this initiative is our ability to provide athletes with help and tools that allow them to protect themselves from violence and insults online in advance," said World Athletics President Lord Coe. "The well-being of athletes is our top priority, so we will continue to take measures to ensure athletes can use social media platforms confidently and safely."

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One of the most important achievements of this initiative is our ability to provide athletes with help and tools that allow them to protect themselves from violence and insults online in advance. The well-being of athletes is our top priority, so we will continue to take measures to ensure athletes can use social media platforms confidently and safely.