Vilma Nissinen, an Olympic skier from Finland, recently faced a barrage of harsh messages on social media, wherein people criticized her performance at the Olympics. In response, she shared screenshots of these messages on her Instagram stories, which are available for 24 hours, highlighting the negativity she has been subjected to. The criticisms were particularly scathing, with one message stating that she should fail miserably in her Olympic pursuits and that her performance was on par with that of an average skier.

In addressing these attacks, Nissinen expressed the extensive dedication and hard work she has put into her sport over the years to be selected for the national team. She detailed the sacrifices that come with being a top athlete and remarked on the unrealistic expectations that surround competitive sports. Despite acknowledging that not everyone can become a medalist or a winner, she asserted the importance of inclusion and merit, indicating that meeting selection criteria should suffice to belong in the competitive scene.

Nissinen’s statement is not just a defense against personal attacks but also a commentary on the broader pressures faced by athletes, especially in the public eye. Her call for people to 'get a life' resonates with many who might overlook the intense effort athletes invest behind the scenes. This incident highlights the darker side of social media where athletes can often become targets of abuse, underscoring the need for a more supportive environment for sports professionals.