- Canadian short track speed skater Kim Boutin won bronze in 500 meter on Tuesday. South Korean skater Choi Min-jeong originally placed second but was disqualified when officials said she bumped Boutin from third to fourth. In short track speed skating their are no lanes and skaters often skate close and bump into one another.
- After it was announced she had won bronze Boutin received several hateful and threatening comments on her social media accounts. While some were tame others wished harm on the skater or threated her life. Comments like
“If I find you, you will die,” and
"Cut off your hands" (some even more graphic than this).
- However many South Korean fans also came to Boutin's defense, condemning the comments and instead blaming the officials.
- The RCMP are investigating the comments to make sure there is no immediate threat to Boutin. Skate Canada and the IOC are also looking into the comments.
- Boutin has since made all her social media accounts private. During her medal ceremony, she broke down in tears and requested not to speak to the media following. She next competes on Saturday in the 1,500-metre race, as well as the 3,000 relay final and 1,000 qualification round next week.
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1ugh, this poor girl. this should have been a happy moment for her and she has to deal with this :(
