A Team GB Olympic athlete is under investigation after an alleged racist WhatsApp message was leaked online.
The British Olympic Association is investigating an alleged racist remark made by Team GB rugby sevens star Amy Wilson-Hardy during a conversation with an unnamed party on WhatsApp.
A leaked screenshot of the conversation has been widely shared on social media during the Olympic Games in Paris.
The screengrab shows Wilson-Hardy, 32, appearing to wear a dark-coloured face mask, with an unnamed party replying: "Genuine chocolate face."
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Wilson-Hardy allegedly replied: "Thought I'd have a better chance with the blacks."
The account that leaked the alleged remarks captioned the post: "A little black face racism by @teamgb Rugby 7's @amywilsonhardy even joking she'll have a better chance with the blacks."
Wilson-Hardy was part of Team GB's rugby sevens squad that finished fourth at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, and she returned to the side for the 2024 Games in Paris.
She helped Team GB beat Ireland and South Africa in the group stage to secure a place in the quarter-finals, where they lost 17-7 to the United States at the Stade de France on Monday.
Wilson-Hardy is now being investigate ahead of Team GB facing China on Tuesday in the matches to determine the fifth to eighth rankings.
A spokesperson for the British Olympic Association told SPORTbible: "The British Olympic Association has been made aware of an image published on a social media platform and is investigating the matter."
Team USA will take on New Zealand in the semi-final, with the winner set to face Canada or Australia in the gold medal match.
SPORTbible has contacted the Rugby Football Union for comment.
Alex Brotherton