Australian Olympic diver Alysha Koloi recently experienced the harsh reality of online negativity after sharing a post-competition photo on social media.
After completing her preliminary heat at the Paris Olympics, Koloi posted a picture of herself near the showers with a simple caption, “Next step.”
What she likely intended as a reflection on her Olympic journey quickly spiraled into something else entirely.
The photo went viral on X (formerly Twitter), garnering a staggering 19.8 million views. While some fans offered supportive comments, a disturbing number of replies crossed the line, showcasing the darker side of internet culture.
Among the flood of responses were some particularly offensive and inappropriate comments. One person crudely suggested, “Next step is to make an OnlyFans,” while another remarked, “Next step not needed anymore.” A third individual chimed in with, “I have become a huge fan of whatever sport you compete in,” making light of her athletic achievements in a disrespectful manner.
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The idea of telling an Olympian—especially a young athlete like Koloi, who is only 22 years old—to create an OnlyFans account is not only inappropriate but also underscores a troubling trend of reducing female athletes to their appearances rather than recognizing their accomplishments.
Koloi, who is just entering the prime of her career, has already achieved significant success in her sport.
Earlier this year, she claimed gold in the women’s 1m springboard event at the World Championships, solidifying her status as one of the top divers in the world. Despite her impressive track record, she faced disappointment at the Paris Olympics when she was unable to advance to the women’s 3m springboard final.
Nevertheless, she has much to be proud of as she continues to build her legacy.
Looking ahead, Koloi has the potential to represent Australia again at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. With time on her side, she has the opportunity to refine her skills and make another push for Olympic glory, if she chooses to pursue it.
In the meantime, it’s crucial that online communities learn to celebrate athletes for their hard work and dedication, rather than subjecting them to unwarranted and hurtful commentary.
As Koloi moves forward in her career, one can only hope that the focus remains on her talent and achievements, rather than the negativity that can often cloud the online world.
