Community Rallies Behind Harassed Runner in Pink Shorts

A inspirational story has emerged from a social media post by a user named "joeslade," highlighting a community's support for a young runner facing online harassment. The post, accompanied by two evocative photos, tells the tale of a local restaurant named Gold Burgers stepping up to defend a high school athlete.

The young runner, who regularly ran around town in his high school track team shirt and favorite pink shorts, became the target of an online troll. The harassment escalated to an ugly level, catching the attention of Gold Burgers. The restaurant’s owner took a stand by offering discounts to anyone wearing pink shorts and outfitting all employees in pink shorts as well. This gesture was a powerful statement of solidarity and support for the young athlete.

The first image shows a group of about eight people standing happily outside Gold Burgers, all dressed in pink shorts and a mix of t-shirts and tank tops. The brick building with large windows serves as the backdrop for this display of community unity. The second image captures the young runner in action on a track, sporting a white tank top with the number "2" and "DINGTON" printed on it, and, of course, his pink shorts. His determined expression amid the race perfectly encapsulates his resilience.

Comments on the post reflect widespread admiration for the runner and the supportive actions taken by Gold Burgers. One user remarked, "That's a really weird thing to get mad over," while another shared, "My hockey team wears hot pink jerseys…only ones in the league, and we won our house cup and crosstown cup last season, f*** em!" Another commenter noted the historical context of pink, stating, "Pink was originally a boys color because it was equated to red. In the 1940’s it became a girls color."

The story resonates with many who appreciate the message that color is for everyone, regardless of gender. As one user aptly put it, "Your only in existence for such a short time, why be afraid of colors?" The community's response to the harassment highlights the power of unity and support in the face of negativity.

In a world where online trolls often target individuals for the most trivial reasons, this story stands out as a beacon of hope and a reminder that kindness and solidarity can triumph over hate.