Getty Image
Team Great Britain has reportedly opened an investigation into one of its star players. They’ll take a closer look at some recent comments made in an online conversation.
An anonymous social media account, which has since been deleted, leaked the exchange on Instagram – hinting at potentially racist undertones.
Amy Wilson-Hardy is the player in question, a 32-year-old veteran that also competed in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
While speaking with an unnamed party on WhatsApp, she posted a photo of her face donning a facial mask of some sort. “Thought I’d have a better chance with the blacks,” a subsequent message read.
Team GB rugby player Amy Wilson-Hardy under investigation for ‘racist message’ https://t.co/h8N7laoEFs pic.twitter.com/T84fNGTIiq
— Turbo Leaks (@TurboLeaks) July 29, 2024
Some have contested that the term “blacks” referred to the New Zealand rugby team known as the All Blacks.
Many, however, have interpreted the message differently.
Making the situation all the more confusing, the Instagram account that leaked the conversation (WarNotPeace12) no longer exists!
The British Olympic Association knows about the leak, releasing a statement after seeing the interaction go public.
“The British Olympic Association has been made aware of an image on a social media platform and is investigating the matter.”
Amy Wilson-Hardy was hoping to make an impact in 2024 after being left off the Great Britain roster in the Tokyo Olympics.
“I knew I had to get to Paris, having three years building and getting my confidence back,” she said after learning of her inclusion on this year’s team. “This time the tears came a bit quicker, but they were happy tears.”
Though she played in Great Britain’s most recent contest, a 17-7 loss to Team USA, her immediate future now seems uncertain. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out.