Lauren Gibbs proves civility is not a lost virtue.
The silver medal-winning Olympic bobsledder on Sunday delivered a graceful response to critics of her photos with First Daughter Ivanka Trump at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
Gibbs posted a selfie she took with Trump to Twitter, and was immediately met with harsh replies from disapproving Twitter users.
One person wrote that history would come to see President Trump “as an equal to Hitler. Your children and grandchildren will be so embarrassed of you for this picture.”
“We have a fortune teller on our hands…” Gibbs shot back.
We have a fortune teller on our hands…
— Lauren Gibbs (She/Her) (@lagibbs84) February 25, 2018
Another user accused the African-American athlete of being “complicit citizen to the very people working against your chance at a better life.”
Not complicit, just hoping that there is a better way… idealistic… Maybe but I would rather go that route than the back and forth name calling… 🤷🏾♀️
— Lauren Gibbs (She/Her) (@lagibbs84) February 25, 2018
“Not complicit, just hoping that there is a better way,” Gibbs wrote. “[I]dealistic… Maybe but I would rather go that route than the back and forth name calling…”
Elana Meyers Taylor, who along with Gibbs won the silver medal at the two-woman bobsledding finals, spoke out in support of her teammate.
.@lagibbs84 and I work hard to ensure we're positive examples of our race, ethnicity, and gender. Choosing to spread love is never a bad thing, even if it's explaining bobsled to a politician's daughter. The only way to fight hated and bigotry is through love
— Elana Meyers Taylor OLY (@eamslider24) February 25, 2018
“Choosing to spread love is never a bad thing, even if it’s explaining bobsled to a politician’s daughter. The only way to fight hated and bigotry is through love,” Meyers wrote.
Gibbs ultimately deleted the selfie and explained why in a subsequent tweet.
I deleted (by choice) the photo because I was tired of reading the hate being thrown back and forth. Whether you hate me for posting or hate me for taking it down… you are the same… hate from either side is hate… #samesame https://t.co/nXXF5no5Yl via @BreitbartNews
— Lauren Gibbs (She/Her) (@lagibbs84) February 27, 2018
Gibbs’ comments were in stark contrast to fellow Olympian Gus Kenworthy, who took a swipe at Ivanka Trump’s role leading the US delegation at the games’ closing ceremony.
So proud of all these people! Everybody here has worked so hard to make it to the Olympics and have the opportunity to walk in the closing ceremony! Well… Everyone except Ivanka. Honestly, tf is she doing here?? pic.twitter.com/sfJKi0VTDb
— Gus Kenworthy (@guskenworthy) February 25, 2018
Many Twitter users offered praise for Gibbs’ willingness to break down political barriers.
Thank you for showing America that we should treat one another with respect and for working towards more unity and less division, and for representing our country on the highest stage. #USA #TeamUSA
— Liam Houlihan (@LiamHoulihan11) February 25, 2018
Kudos for showing humanity, civility and how American spirit is truly meant to be. We don’t have to agree to get along. You are one Olympian I am extremely proud of!
— Really Bill (@OH_Tek) February 27, 2018
Thank you for representing the USA. You showed true class. We may not always agree with politics but there is no reason for anyone to hate.
— Cindy Gonzalez – Medical Social Worker (@usc4cdg) February 27, 2018
Ms Gibbs, I salute you for being a First Class Athlete and American; you are a great role model for our youth!
— Mary Fortino (@FortinoMary) February 27, 2018
Doing the right thing sometimes makes one uncomfortable. Thanks for doing the right thing even when you probably knew their would be back lash from people who rather drown in the nastiness then to take the high ground.
— toomuch (@hateisevil) February 27, 2018
Nothing is more fitting than an Olympian who embraces the Golden Rule #respect
— Bill Heilmann (@BillHeilmann) February 27, 2018
Lauren I love your attitude and I hope you get GOLD in everything you do!
— Michael Costello (@wrestler79) February 26, 2018
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