During a mixed team ski jumping event on the 10th, Poland's team finished 11th in the first round and did not advance. Given the interest in ski jumping across Europe, the backlash against the team's performance generated notable attention. The focus of criticism was on 19-year-old Paula Bertowska, who served as the first jumper for her team. Following unsparingly harsh comments and attacks primarily on social media, the Polish Ski Federation felt compelled to issue an emergency statement condemning the hate directed towards her, insisting such behavior exceeds the limits of sports criticism and is unacceptable.

This incident reflects a broader issue that has emerged not only in Poland but also within Japan, as athletes face increasing scrutiny and harassment on social media platforms. Japanese Olympic officials are reportedly monitoring the situation around their athletes, bracing for potential backlash, and prepared to take necessary action to manage harmful comments. The urgency of this issue raises questions about the mental health of young athletes who aspire to compete at high levels in international arenas, where public and media scrutiny can be particularly fierce.

As sports and social media intersect, the responsibility lies with sports federations, teams, and the public to foster a culture of respect and constructive criticism. The rising trend of online harassment directed at athletes not only affects their mental well-being but also calls into question the ethics of sports commentary and the lines that should not be crossed. The incident underscores the need for widespread strategies and remedial actions that address bullying in sports, highlighting it as a shared challenge that transcends national borders.