One of the Mexican softball stars has been forced to explain the actions of her team after their Olympic jerseys were found in a bin in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic village.
Danielle O'Toole apologised as she hit back at claims they had disrespected their country.
The jerseys were spotted in the bin by her compatriot, boxer Brianda Tamara Cruz Sandoval, who was less than impressed by the discovery.
Sandoval tweeted: "All of us who are Mexican athletes yearn to wear it with dignity, and today sadly the Mexican softball team left it in the Olympic Village's trash."
The Mexican softball team fell agonisingly short of a medal as they were defeated by Canada 3-2 in the bronze medal match.
On her Instagram, O'Toole reacted to the controversy and leapt to the defence of her team.
She noted that her teammates had been subjected to a considerable amount of online hate as a result of Sandoval's tweet. She said: "None of my teammates threw their jerseys away.
"It has been heartbreaking to see how many of you are disappointed and hurt by actions I truly meant no harm in doing.
”The amount of hateful and threatening comments all of us have received from people assuming that we threw everything away has been overwhelming.”
O'Toole also looked to make it clear that the team had tried to get the jerseys home, but simply didn't have space for them.
She continued: "I am taking responsibility for leaving some Lining clothing in Tokyo.
“I asked the postal service in the village if they ship boxes internationally and they said letters only.
“We should have asked more questions, looked into donating, anything except leave them the way we did and for that I am extremely sorry. From the bottom of my heart.
“I tried very hard to fit as much as I could … clothing, toiletries, and items of sentimental value into the one suitcase that was allowed.
“Still, there is no justifying it, we could have done more. I am sorry, and hope that you all can accept my apology.”
O'Toole was also keen to emphasise just how much performing for her nation meant to her as she became more emotional in the post: "Wearing Mexico across my chest has been an honour and a privilege.
“I would never throw anything away with malicious intent or to disrespect the country we worked so hard for. I chose to represent Mexico.
“I am grateful to my family who came to the US and worked hard so I could have this life.
“Before this story circulated, we as a team were receiving love, heartfelt messages, and we could feel your positivity radiate through.
“I have never wanted anything more in my life than to make sure that we brought a medal back to Mexico.”
The softball gold medal was won by the Japanese team, who beat the USA 2-0 in the final.
