Former University of Kentucky swimmer Caitlin Wheeler has responded strongly to media figure Keith Olbermann after he directed personal insults at her on social media. In her reply, Wheeler highlighted the support she received from notable activists, including Riley Gaines, Brooke Slusser, and Stephanie Turner, who also spoke out in favor of protecting women’s sports.
In a disparaging comment directed at Wheeler, Olbermann suggested she was merely making excuses for her lack of success in swimming. He tweeted, “This is a story about you trying to find excuses for wasting your life trying to succeed in a sport you have no talent for.”
Wheeler, who shared a locker room with transgender swimmer Leah Thomas during the 2022 NCAA Championships, took the offensive remarks in stride. She referred to Olbermann as an “angry old man” attempting to uphold a certain social order and stated, “When women refuse to be silent, people like Olbermann lash out. It just shows why this fight is important. We’re advocating for fairness, while he seems to fight for his social standing.”
Wheeler further addressed Olbermann with a series of posts, emphasizing her athletic achievements while indirectly critiquing his career trajectory. She remarked humorously about Olbermann’s situation, noting his history of job losses at various networks, while she proudly discussed being an SEC champion and All-American.
On social media, several female athletes and advocates rallied in support of Wheeler. Tennis legend Martina Navratilova publicly announced she would unfollow Olbermann due to his comments, labeling them grossly personal. She stated, “You made it a gross personal attack. Shame on you, Keith.”
Gaines, Wheeler’s teammate, added her perspective by noting Olbermann’s lack of a family, implying that his choice to target college women online reflects a tragic loneliness. She expressed sympathy for him. Others, like former ultrarunner Karilyn Joson, suggested that Olbermann’s behavior might indicate deeper issues, calling him “a mentally ill misogynist.”
Kim Jones, co-founder of the Independent Council for Women’s Sport, advised Olbermann to reconsider his approach, stating, “You are digging your own grave.” Another co-founder commented, “Who is this crusty nerd?”
