24岁的德国中距离跑运动员斯米拉·科尔贝在欧洲田径锦标赛期间公开谴责了针对部分队友的在线种族歧视[1]。这位就读于北佛罗里达大学的运动员在英国伯明翰亚历山大体育场参加800米半决赛后，向德国广播公司ZDF发表讲话，呼吁社会给予运动员应有的尊重[1]。
科尔贝在半决赛中排名第六，未能晋级决赛[1]。她在采访中表示："我期待能得到更多尊重，虽然有很多人支持我，但我不想象如果我不是这么白皙会是什么样子。"[1]通过这番言论，这位白人运动员指出了种族因素在社交媒体骚扰中的显著作用。
German middle-distance runner Smilla Kolbe has condemned the online racial abuse directed at some of her teammates during the European Athletics Championships.[1] The 24-year-old athlete competed at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, England, and spoke to German broadcaster ZDF following her performance in the 800-meter semifinal, where she finished sixth and did not advance to the final.[1]
Kolbe, a student at the University of North Florida, used the platform to call for greater respect toward athletes.[1] "I expect a little more respect, and I'm delighted that so many people support me, but I don't want to imagine what it would be like if I wasn't as white as I am," she said.[1] Her remarks highlight the disproportionate harassment faced by athletes of color on social media.