After the news broke about ShaCarrie Richardson’s suspension and ultimate ban from the games, boycotting the Tokyo Olympics has been trending all over social media.
In response, Gabby Thomas shared that she is pretty heartbroken about the sentiment because obviously, ShaCarrie isn’t the only black athlete in attendance.
She tweeted:
It really hurts to see so many black people choosing not to watch the Olympics this year. There are so many black athletes who have put in YEARS of hard work for this moment- myself included. We want your support.
It really hurts to see so many black people choosing not to watch the Olympics this year. There are so many black athletes who have put in YEARS of hard work for this moment- myself included. We want your support.
— Gabby Thomas (@ItsGabrielleT) July 6, 2021
She also said:
Additionally, I worry some of the anger and disdain may be misplaced. The “Olympics” and those at the IOC have nothing to do with current events taking place
— Gabby Thomas (@ItsGabrielleT) July 6, 2021
We definitely agree with Gabby, but the truth is, they will have the support of those who have always supported the Olympics. It’s hard not to watch the game and cheer for your favorite team.
Twitter users assured her about that after she spoke out:
The ppl who are saying they aren’t going to watch likely weren’t going to be watching to begin with, because if you are a fan of the Olympics, you are watching regardless… so no worries! It sucks that this is going on, but folks gone be watchin!
— BIANCA KNIGHT, OLY (@MsBiancaAK) July 6, 2021
and:
track and field events had never really interested me, but I kept it on after the gymnastics trials and found myself cheering for you + logging on to social media to follow you! Your talent = insanity and I can’t wait to cheer you on from my living room during the Olympics.
— Becca Brown (@BeccaBTalksTV) July 6, 2021
Others weren’t quite as nice:
track and field events had never really interested me, but I kept it on after the gymnastics trials and found myself cheering for you + logging on to social media to follow you! Your talent = insanity and I can’t wait to cheer you on from my living room during the Olympics.
— Becca Brown (@BeccaBTalksTV) July 6, 2021
Regardless, we don’t think Gabby has a thing to worry about, this is so much bigger than what Twitter has to say, the whole world will be watching.
Don’t worry. In my experience Twitter controversy very rarely mirrors non social media involved people’s concerns! People who enjoy watching the Olympics will continue to tune in and watch.
— anodyne (@DiChristine) July 7, 2021
Comment your thoughts below!