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

Being too feminine or too masculine, having hair that's too short or too much makeup, being too muscular or too skinny, too outspoken or too aggressive - these are just a few of the criticisms female athletes face. In 2025, women's sports achieved great milestones, including the Lionesses defending their Euros title and the Red Roses winning the World Cup. However, many female athletes are subjected to derogatory comments and abuse outside of their sports arenas, adding another layer of pressure. Georgia Evans, a Welsh rugby player, experienced this firsthand when she was criticized for wearing bows in her hair during a match. She decided to speak out against the abuse, stating that 'a rugby player is no longer defined by your gender or what you look like.' Evans' response was met with an outpouring of support, with thousands of young girls and women showing up to her next match wearing their own bows in solidarity. However, the issue of online abuse and harassment of female athletes persists. A survey found that the number of girls who dream of becoming professional athletes has fallen to its lowest level since 2020, with many citing feelings of not belonging and being judged. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli has seen the impact of social media on young girls, stating that it's 'already bad' and that she's 'worried for the next generation.' Bartoli has been a victim of online abuse herself, having been humiliated by a BBC commentator after winning Wimbledon in 2013. The issue of online abuse is not limited to criticism of appearance; many female athletes have received death threats and explicit messages. A report by the Women's Tennis Association found that 458 players were targeted by abuse in 2024, with 40% of the abuse coming from frustrated gamblers. The Online Safety Act 2023 has imposed strict duties on social media companies, but more needs to be done to combat the level of abuse targeted at female athletes. Some athletes, such as Charley Hull, are not fazed by online hate and can ignore the opinions of people hiding behind their keyboards. However, for many others, the abuse can have a significant impact on their mental wellbeing and safety. As Sophia Dunkley notes, it's essential to stay protected from the outside noise and focus on the task at hand. The message from female athletes is clear: success should not come at the cost of personal safety, mental wellbeing, or identity. It's time to shift the focus from how female athletes look or behave to what they achieve.