Hammer thrower Silja Kosonen receives offensive messages after outing relationship

Finnish hammer thrower Silja Kosonen, 23, has reported receiving inappropriate messages after she and her partner, futsal player Senni Viren, publicly confirmed their relationship. The couple's kiss after Kosonen secured the European Championship gold medal led to widespread congratulations, but also some offensive comments online.

Kosonen shared that alongside supportive messages, she received some that were "motivational-killing." One message questioned her identity, stating she was "only half a woman" for being interested in a woman. Another message reduced her identity to "0.5 percent woman."

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It's truly sad to hear that even today one has to receive such feedback – it's a happy occasion.

Former elite swimmer Ari-Pekka Liukkonen, 37, expressed his dismay at Kosonen's experience. "It's truly sad to hear that even today one has to receive such feedback – it's a happy occasion," Liukkonen said, referring to the couple's relationship.

Liukkonen, who came out as gay in 2014, recalled anticipating mostly negative feedback but found the response to be overwhelmingly positive. He noted that after coming out, one major stress factor was removed, allowing him to focus on training and performance, leading to his first individual European medal. He also suggested his height and readiness to speak up might deter harassment.

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Instagram has had a couple of messages like 'I've lost motivation now.' Someone said I'm only half a woman because I'm interested in a woman. In another message, it said I'm 0.5 percent woman, so it might not quite work.