French Judoka Lea Fontaine Faces Online Abuse After Lausanne Grand Slam Win

French judoka Lea Fontaine, the winner of the openweight category at the Lausanne Grand Slam on Sunday, has spoken out against hateful comments and personal attacks she received on social media following her victory. Fontaine defeated Israeli judoka Yuli Moshner in the semifinals and her compatriot Romane Dicko in the final.

Fontaine, 25, stated that while she respects professional critique and discussion, the "repeated mockery, attacks targeting my appearance, and comments aimed at diminishing me personally" crossed the line of acceptable sports discourse. She noted that she had previously lost to Raz Hershko in the European Championships final in April.

Fontaine indicated that she and her team are carefully reviewing the offensive posts and may take legal action against those who have gone beyond legitimate sports criticism. "The publications in question have been saved and are being carefully examined. Together with my team, I will take appropriate steps regarding comments that go beyond the bounds of sports criticism and the respect due to every person," she wrote on Instagram.

The French Judo Federation quickly issued a statement condemning discrimination and expressing full support for Fontaine. Romane Dicko, who lost to Fontaine in the final, also stood by her rival, recalling her own experience with online abuse two years prior when she responded to similar attacks by saying, "Yes, I am fat. Grow up."