German biathlete Franziska Preuss, who has now retired, said that she has received hateful messages on social media during the Milan/Cortina Winter Olympics.

“The psychological terror you go through and the fact that everyone says, ‘Don’t look at what’s being written about you on social media!’ makes you think: wow!” the 31-year-old said after the women’s mass start on Saturday, which was the last race of her career.

“You’re still a human being. I haven’t done anything criminal, nor have I killed anyone. It’s just sport,” the World Cup title holder added.

All of this would “ruin what should actually be a cool time,” she said, and that comes from “people on the outside who actually have no idea how difficult it is.”

Preuss had poor performances in the final shooting ranges, which cost her better placings and even medals at the Milan/Cortina Games. She did claim one bronze in the mixed relay.

The reactions on social media were correspondingly negative and completely exaggerated, she said. As a result, she had spent little time online in recent days.

“Of course, you do that to protect yourself,” she said.

To a certain extent, it is part of her job to be present on social media, “but when it gets personal, it’s not so nice anymore, and sometimes boundaries are definitely crossed.”

Team-mate Vanessa Voigt reported similar experiences and even decided to delete the Instagram app from her phone altogether during the Games.

“I have to say, I’ve been the happiest person in the world these last few days. Nobody needs Instagram,” she said.

However, due to contracts and obligations with sponsors, she will probably have to reinstall the app soon.

“I know they’re just comments, and most of them are really sweet and positive. But of course, those negative comments, which may only be three or four, tend to stick with you much more,” Voigt admitted.