Canadian speed skater Kim Boutin receives online threats after medal win

Feb 14 2018, 10:13 pm

Quebec speedskater Kim Boutin has become the target of online bullying and threats after her unexpected bronze medal win in yesterday’s women’s 500-metre final short track speed skating race.

Upon review, judges determined Boutin was bumped by South Korean skater Minjeong Choi during the race. Choi was disqualified, bumping Yara van Kerkhof of the Netherlands to silver, and Boutin to bronze.

While Boutin and Canada celebrated her bronze medal win with pride, others were not too happy and turned to social media to send threats and backlash to Boutin after her ‘controversial’ win.

One example is the comments on an Instagram photo posted by Greg Kolz, the official photographer for Skate Canada and Speed Skating Canada at the Winter Games.

Kim Boutin threats

@gregkolz/ Instagram

Kolz’s picture congratulates Boutin on her big win, but others were quick to leave nasty remarks, accusing her of being a “dirty” player” and others using the snake emoji to insinuate she cheated.

One person even went as far as to say Boutin’s hands and legs should be “cut.”

Kim Boutin threats

@gregkolz/ Instagram

Kim Boutin threats

@gregkolz/ Instagram

Kim Boutin threats

@gregkolz/ Instagram

The nasty and threating comments also flooded Twitter, as many claim Boutin is the one who pushed Choi.

In a statement made yesterday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) sent a reminder that all athletes should be respected.

“We would ask everyone to respect the athletes and their performances and to support the great work they’ve done and to support the Olympic spirit,” said the IOC.

It should also be noted that disqualifications in short track speed skating are common occurances, with Canada’s own Marianne St-Gelais suffering one in her first heat at Pyeongchang after a collision with another skater.

Boutin privatized her social media accounts following her win.

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