Preuß reports on “psychoterrorism” in social networks

“The psychological terror that you go through and the fact that everyone then says: ‘Don’t look at what is written about you on social media!’, you think: crazy!” said the 31-year-old after her last career race in the mass start in Antholz: “You’re still human. I didn’t do anything criminal or kill anyone. It’s just sport.”

These negative experiences with derogatory comments ultimately encouraged Preuss that it was the right decision to end her career immediately and not return to the World Cup. All of this would spoil what was “a really cool time,” said Preuss: “From people from the outside who actually have no idea how difficult this is.”

Preuss on online hate: “Boundaries are being crossed”

She had achieved better placings or even medals in many Olympic races due to poor performances in the final shooting. Reactions on Instagram and Co. were correspondingly negative and completely exaggerated.

That’s why she hasn’t spent much time on social media in the past few days. “Of course you do that out of self-protection,” said Preuss. To some extent it is part of her job to be present there. “But when it gets personal, it’s not so nice and sometimes boundaries are definitely crossed,” she said.

However, due to contracts and obligations with sponsors, it is part of her job and she will probably have to install the app again soon. “I know they’re just comments and most of them are really so nice and positive. But of course these negative comments, which are maybe only three or four, are much deeper,” said Voigt: “Basically, I have to say, it was the right decision that I deleted this app.”