Why did British Rugby star Amy Wilson-Harding withdraw from Paris Olympics? All about the controversy surrounding the investigation

By Anirudh

Modified Jul 31, 2024 11:52 GMT

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British rugby player Amy Wilson-Hardy withdrew from the 2024 Paris Olympics amid an alleged racism row. An investigation has also been launched immediately.

Wilson-Hardy withdrew ahead of Britain’s 19-15 defeat to China on Tuesday, July 30 in the classification bracket for fifth-eighth places. Team GB bounced back from the defeat to beat Ireland 28-12 and finish seventh.

The 32-year-old's name began trending on social media after an alleged screenshot of a since-deleted conversation was leaked on Instagram. The forward appears to have shared sent a photo of her with a blackface mask on WhatsApp.

Underneath the picture, the message read:

"Thought I'd have a better chance with the blacks."

A British Olympic Association (BOA) spokesperson has stated that they had been made aware of the picture and that an investigation has been launched.

“The British Olympic Association has been made aware of an image published on a social media platform and is investigating the matter,” a BOA spokesperson said (via The Sun).

Wilson-Hardy last took part in Team GB’s 17-7 quarterfinal loss to Team USA on Monday, a result that ended all medal hopes for the team in Paris.

New Zealand defeated Canada 19-12 in the final at the Stade de France to clinch the gold medal. The United States won bronze following their 14-12 win against Australia.

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Amy Wilson-Hardy exited Paris Olympics on medical grounds, according to British Olympic Association

Amy Wilson-Hardy in action at the BC Place Stadium in British Columbia in March 2023 - Getty Images

Team GB captain Emma Uren has stated that the players were not told about the racism allegations surrounding Amy Wilson-Hardy and were focusing on the games. She added that there was a ban on phones for the team at the Olympics.

"We didn't get told much about it because we know we need to focus on the game and the tournament. It's quite a surprise when something like that springs up in the middle of an Olympic campaign," Uren stated (via CBS).

Meanwhile, a BOA spokesperson has stated that Wilson-Hardy withdrew from the Olympics and went back home due to medical reasons.

“The British Olympic Association has confirmed that Amy Wilson‑Hardy has been withdrawn on ­medical grounds from the Paris 2024 rugby sevens placement matches and will be replaced by Tokyo 2020 Olympian Abi Burton. As confirmed last night, the BOA continues to ­investigate this matter,” a BOA spokesperson said.

Abi Burton, who competed for Team GB in the 2020 Tokyo Games, has replaced Wilson-Hardy in the team.