{
  "id": 883468,
  "title": "German runner calls for ‘more respect’ after seeing online racial abuse of teammates",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/german-runner-calls-for-more-respect-after-seeing-online-racial-abuse-883468",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-14T15:23:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Associated Press",
    "slug": "associated-press",
    "url": "https://apnews.com/article/european-athletics-championships-racial-abuse-german-218972429f77d1f4bd24184c5bed140f"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "German middle-distance runner Smilla Kolbe has spoken out against the racial abuse directed at some of her teammates during the European Athletics Championships. The 24-year-old, who is white, addressed the issue after her semifinal heat in the 800 meters at Alexander Stadium. In an interview with German broadcaster ZDF, Kolbe voiced her disappointment, stating that while she appreciated the support from fans, she had seen \"unbelievable comments\" under certain athletes' profiles. She emphasized her expectation for \"a little more respect\" and expressed her delight at the widespread support for her and her teammates, but also acknowledged that she wouldn't want to imagine the experience if she were not white. Kolbe, a former University of North Florida athlete, finished sixth in her heat and did not advance to the final. She urged everyone watching to extend the respect that the athletes deserve for their incredible achievements.",
  "summary": "German middle-distance runner Smilla Kolbe has called for \"more respect\" after witnessing online racial abuse directed at her teammates during the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, England. Kolbe, who is white, addressed the issue following her semifinal heat in the 800 meters, expressing her disappointment in the \"unbelievable comments\" she had read under some athletes' profiles. Despite the support she and her teammates were receiving, Kolbe emphasized the need for greater respect, particularly given the platform they represent Germany on. She noted that she hopes her statement would encourage others to be more considerate and celebrate the athletes' achievements.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "German runner calls for ‘more respect’ after seeing online racial abuse of teammates",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/german-runner-calls-for-more-respect-after-seeing-online-racial-abuse",
        "published": "2026-08-14T11:51:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}