British Olympian being investigated over ‘racist message’

A British Olympian is being investigated over a ‘racist message’ allegedly sent on WhatsApp.

Rugby player Amy Wilson-Hardy, 32, has returned to the Olympics this year after first competing for her country in the games in Rio 2016.

Wilson-Hardy previously said she was determined to get into the squad for Paris, having not been selected for Tokyo in 2020.

“I had this new lease of life and I knew I had to get to Paris, have three years building and getting my confidence back,” she said.

“This time the tears came a bit quicker, but they were happy tears. It was only when the final 12 was confirmed that I really let go and the tears came flooding.”

However, as the team went up against the US in the quarter-final last night – eventually being eliminated after losing 17-7 – it wasn’t Wilson-Hardy's on-pitch action that was hitting headlines.

A WhatsApp image had surfaced earlier in the day showing what appeared to be the rugby player wearing a dark-coloured face mask.

Under the photo, a message said: “Genuine chocolate face.”

She then appears to have replied: “Thought I’d have a better chance with the blacks.”

The British Olympic Association (BOA) has confirmed it is investigating what happened.

A BOA spokesperson said in a statement: "The British Olympic Association has been made aware of an image published on a social media platform and is investigating the matter."x

Tyla has reached out to Wilson-Hardy via Team GB for comment.

Yesterday it was confirmed that Olympics commentator Bob Ballard had been fired following backlash to an 'outrageous' sexist comment over the weekend.

On Saturday evening (27 July), the women’s 4x100m freestyle relay team - comprised of Mollie O’Callaghan, Shayna Jack, Emma McKeon and Meg Harris - won gold.

In a clip that has since gone viral on social media, the former BBC commentator could be heard saying: "Well, the women just finishing up. You know what women are like … hanging around, doing their makeup."

Ballard’s co-commentator, Lizzie Simmonds, called the remark 'outrageous' before adding: "Some of the men are doing that as well!"

Olympic broadcaster Eurosport later announced it had removed Ballard from its commentary team, saying: "During a segment of Eurosport’s coverage last night, commentator Bob Ballard made an inappropriate comment.

"To that end, he has been removed from our commentary roster with immediate effect."

Ballard has since apologised for his comments, saying he never intended to upset anyone.

He said in a statement: "The comments I made during the Australian freestyle relay victory ceremony on Saturday have caused some offence.

"It was never my intention to upset or belittle anyone and if I did, I apologies. I am a massive advocate of women's sport.

"I shall miss the Eurosport team dearly and wish them all the best for the rest of the Olympics."