BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) 鈥� German middle-distance runner Smilla Kolbe has condemned the online racial abuse directed at some of her teammates at the European championships.
The 24-year-old Kolbe, who is white, spoke out Thursday after her semifinal heat in the 800 meters at Alexander Stadium.
鈥淟et me say one thing. I read so many comments and I鈥檓 really happy about all the support we鈥檙e getting,鈥� Kolbe began, speaking to German broadcaster ZDF.
鈥淏ut I see some really unbelievable comments under some athletes, and I wish 鈥� we鈥檙e representing Germany here and getting support from everyone watching 鈥� but I expect a little more respect, and I鈥檓 delighted that so many people support me, but I don鈥檛 want to imagine what it would be like if I wasn鈥檛 as white as I am.鈥�
Kolbe, who competed at the University of North Florida, finished sixth in her heat and didn’t qualify for .
鈥淚t鈥檚 important for me to say this,鈥� Kolbe added, 鈥渁nd I expect everyone watching to give the respect due to celebrate the amazing achievements of our athletes.鈥�
___
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
