Rio Olympics 2016: The American heartbroken by social media trolls
Douglas has been the subject of harsh criticism. Photo: Getty
Social media can be a nasty place.
Gymnast Gabby Douglas – a gold medallist at the London 2012 Olympic Games – found that out after she was criticised for her attitude, patriotism and even her appearance.
And it all came after she helped her United States teammates to gold in the women’s team all-around final.
The 20-year-old’s crime? Not placing her hand over her chest during the US anthem like her teammates did.
She apologised on Twitter but was then blasted again when she was spotted on film not taking part in a standing ovation for compatriots Simone Biles and Aly Raisman – who won gold and silver in an individual event.
“I will always support them and respect them,” she told the Associated Press after the Twitter hashtag #CRABBYGABBY began gathering steam.
“[But] when they [trolls] talk about my hair or not putting my hand over my heart or being very salty in the stands, really criticising me … it was really hurtful.”
Douglas did not place her hand on her chest during the US anthem. Photo: Getty
Douglas’ mother, Natalie Hawkins, was furious and told Reuters: “She’s had to deal with people criticising her hair or people accusing her of bleaching her skin.
“They said she had breast enhancements, they said she wasn’t smiling enough, she’s unpatriotic. You name it and she got trampled. What did she ever to do anyone?”
Thankfully, #LOVE4GABBYUSA caught on Twitter, with celebrities Shonda Rhimes, Leslie Jones and Kerry Washington all showing their support.
Is your reaction time faster than Usain Bolt’s?
Well, now you can find out.
This New York Times interactive allows you to test your reaction time – as if you were on the starting blocks and about to run the men’s 100m sprint.
Turn up your volume and see how you go.
Photo of the day
Is this the photo of the Olympic Games?
A picture sure to become iconic. Photo: Getty
Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas didn’t leave anything to chance in the women’s 400m final, literally throwing herself at the line in a dive that ultimately delivered her gold.
Miller opened up a nice lead but American Allyson Felix – who finished seventh hundredths of a second behind – was rapidly closing in the dying stages.
It made for a thrilling finale as Miller did enough. Just.
Bad sport sent home
He made headlines for deciding not to shake the hand of his Israeli opponent after losing in the first round of the judo on Friday.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) were very strong against Egypt’s Islam El Shehaby, saying his conduct was “against the spirit of friendship embodied in the Olympic values”.
El Shehaby also refused to bow to his opponent – a rule once judo bouts are completed.
The Egyptian Olympic Committee have belatedly acted, too, with El Shehaby on an early flight out of Brazil as a result.
Aussie sprays officials
Discus thrower Dani Samuels wasn’t happy that her competition kept going despite heavy rain.
Samuels was not impressed. Photo: Getty
“It was just too heavy. As soon as there’s a bit of moisture [the discus] just slips out. Plus, it’s dangerous,” she told the Seven Network.
“Luckily, common sense prevailed in the end.”
Mark Cavendish in hot water
The cycling star caused a frightening crash in the men’s omnium final.
He moved into South Korea’s Sanghoon Park and he went flying as a result, before being hit by Italian Elia Viviani and Australia’s Glenn O’Shea, who had no time to react.
Fans were concerned when Park did not move as medical staff went to his assistance. He was rushed to hospital in an ambulance.
Thankfully, Park is reportedly in a stable condition.
Cavendish didn’t even mention the incident in his post-race interview – and a series of tweets from Dutch reporter Thijs Zonneveld, an ex-cyclist himself, may explain why.
Me: "Would you care to comment on that move?"
Cav: "I could sue you for that, do you know that?"
Me: "What for? Asking a question?"— Thijs Zonneveld (@thijszonneveld) August 15, 2016
And then he walked away, cursing.
— Thijs Zonneveld (@thijszonneveld) August 15, 2016
Aussie athletes out and about
Swimmer James Magnussen and some of his teammates enjoy a dip on Rio’s famed Copacabana Beach.
She’s the youngest athlete on the 400-plus Aussie Games team. And despite her Matildas being knocked out in the quarter-finals, 16-year-old Ellie Carpenter was enjoying herself at the Olympic Stadium.
Track and field tonight with the kanga! @AUSOlympicTeam #oneteam #AUS pic.twitter.com/X4hIJHTij7
— Ellie Carpenter (@CarpenterEllie) August 16, 2016
After her third Olympic Games campaign, Casey Sablowski says goodbye to the Hockeyroos.
What to watch on Wednesday
For early risers, three cycling finals should excite, while there’s also the women’s team gold medal match in the table tennis at 8.30am (AEST).
Try and spot the ball in one of those matches – it’s not always an easy feat!
The attention then turns to athletics, with the finals of the men’s high jump and men’s 110m hurdles sandwiched by the women’s 1500m final.
The pick of the bunch:
6.05am: Cycling – track, women’s omnium
6.44am: Cycling – track, women’s sprint
8am: Weightlifting – men’s over 105 kg
8.30am: Table tennis – women’s team gold medal
9.30am: Athletics – men’s high jump
11.30am: Athletics – women’s 1500m final
11.45am: Athletics – men’s 110m hurdles
