The Dark Side of Women's Sports: Abuse, Stalking, and Death Threats

Female athletes face a barrage of criticism and abuse, from their appearance to their performance. In 2025, women's sports achieved great success, but many athletes were subjected to derogatory comments and negativity. Georgia Evans, a Welsh rugby player, was criticized for wearing bows in her hair, but she chose to speak out against the abuse. A survey found that only 23% of girls want to become professional athletes, and many feel judged and worried about their safety. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli has seen firsthand the impact of social media on young girls, and she believes that the constant criticism can be damaging to their mental health. The Women's Tennis Association and International Tennis Federation found that 458 players were targeted by abuse in 2024, and many received death threats and explicit messages. England's Jess Carter received racist abuse and was forced to take a break from social media. The Online Safety Act 2023 aims to combat online abuse, but many believe it does not go far enough. Some athletes, like Charley Hull, are not fazed by online hate, but others are speaking out against the abuse. The focus should shift from how sportswomen look or behave to what they achieve, and athletes should be able to perform without fear of abuse or harassment.