The darker side of sports is rearing its ugly head at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
Less than 24 hours after winning a bronze medal in the 500 metre short track speed skating, Canadian athlete Kim Boutin has received death threats through social media.
The threats come after a slightly controversial finish to the 500m event.
Boutin was bumped from fourth into the bronze medal position after South Korean skater Choi Min-jeong was disqualified for interference.
"They are smiling as they have breakfast in Sherbrooke, Quebec this morning!"@kimbtin shares her medal moment with @mastgelais 🥉#PyeongChang2018 pic.twitter.com/Bts4uobSCa
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 13, 2018
The threats were originally reported by CBC and Sportsnet's Arash Madani, and led to this statement from Team Canada.
“The health, safety and security of all our team members is our top priority and as such we are working closely with Speed Skating Canada, our security personnel and the RCMP,” it read.
“We will not make further comment on this issue, so that Kim can focus on her upcoming events.”
We will not make further comment on this issue, so that Kim can focus on her upcoming events. (2/2)
— Team Canada PR (@TeamCanadaPR) February 14, 2018
Boutin has since locked her Instagram and Twitter accounts to prevent further abuse.
On Wednesday, an emotional Boutin stood on the podium as she received her bronze medal for her efforts in the 500m.
She could easily be back on that podium, as she’s still set to compete in the 1500m, the 1000m, as well as the 3000m relay.
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