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

The world of women's sports has seen tremendous growth, but with it comes a dark side. Female athletes are subjected to unsavory comments, personal attacks, and even death threats. Georgia Evans, a Welsh rugby player, recently faced abuse for wearing bows in her hair during a match. Despite the support she received, the incident highlights the pressures female athletes face. A survey by Women In Sport found that the number of girls who dream of becoming professional athletes has fallen to its lowest level since 2020, with many feeling judged and worried about their appearance. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli coaches teenage girls and has seen firsthand the impact social media has on their progress and aspirations. She believes that the constant criticism and judgment can be damaging to their mentality and confidence. The Women's Tennis Association and International Tennis Federation reported that 458 players were direct targets of abuse in 2024, with 40% of social media abuse coming from frustrated gamblers. England's Jess Carter stepped back from social media due to racist abuse, and a 60-year-old man was sentenced to six weeks in prison for sending her abusive messages. Sophia Dunkley, an English cricketer, emphasizes the importance of staying protected from online noise and maintaining focus on the task at hand. 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. Charley Hull, a professional golfer, is not fazed by online hate and can ignore the opinions and judgments made by people hiding behind their keyboards. The message from female athletes is clear: success should not come at the cost of personal safety, mental wellbeing, or identity. As athletes continue to push and perform under unprecedented visibility, the focus must shift from how sportswomen look or behave to what they achieve.