GB rugby player Amy Wilson-Hardy out of Olympics on ‘medical grounds’ amid racism storm

British rugby sevens player Amy Wilson-Hardy has been withdrawn from the Paris 2024 Olympics on medical grounds following an investigation into an alleged racist remark. The British Olympic Association (BOA) announced her withdrawal just before a scheduled match against China, stating that she would be replaced by fellow Olympian Abi Burton. The decision comes amid a growing controversy surrounding a social media post that included a derogatory comment linked to Wilson-Hardy. The incident surfaced when a now-deleted Instagram account shared a screengrab of Wilson-Hardy wearing a dark face mask, accompanied by a comment that was deemed racist. The post suggested that Wilson-Hardy had made a joke about her chances of success with "the blacks." The BOA has not provided extensive details regarding the situation, emphasizing the need for the team to focus on their performance in the tournament. Head coach Ciaran Beattie refrained from commenting on the controversy, stating that the team is concentrating on their rugby. Wilson-Hardy, who has represented England since 2013 and participated in her second Olympic Games, had played in a match against South Africa just prior to the allegations coming to light. She has a notable rugby career, including a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a degree in engineering from Bath University. The situation has raised significant concerns about player conduct and the impact of social media on athletes' reputations during high-stakes competitions like the Olympics.