TROLL TRAUMA: SA Olympic triathlete Henri Schoeman opens up on cyberbullying dimming his light
After a decade of being abused online after a race in Mexico involving the Brownlee brothers of Britain, South African triathlete and Olympic medallist Henri Schoeman opens up about how it has affected him and his family.
South African Olympic triathlete Henri Schoeman has spoken about the decade-long cyberbullying he faced after a race in Mexico involving British brothers Jonny and Alistair Brownlee. Schoeman, a 2016 Olympic Games bronze medallist, recounted how the abuse from strangers dimmed his light and affected his confidence for a decade. After posting a video about his experiences, he received overwhelming support from others.
Despite the ongoing attacks, Schoeman's family, including his young children and wife, also became targets. He revealed that speaking out publicly helped him regain his inner light and confidence. Schoeman maintains a good relationship with the Brownlees, acknowledging their fierce competition and mutual respect. He hopes his story will spark conversations about the hate athletes face online from faceless trolls.
Schoeman, who is vying for his fourth Olympic Games participation at the LA 2028 edition, aims to achieve this milestone to give his family, including his four-year-old daughter and two-year-old son, something to be proud of.
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