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

Female athletes are constantly scrutinized for their appearance, with critics targeting their bodies, hair, and style. This criticism can be devastating, affecting their mental health and performance. Despite their successes, many sportswomen are subjected to unsavory comments and negativity outside of their sporting arenas, adding an extra layer of pressure. Georgia Evans, a Welsh rugby player, recently faced abuse for wearing bows in her hair during a match. She responded by saying that rugby is for everyone, regardless of appearance, and that she won't change who she is to fit someone else's standards. 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 safety. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli coaches teenage girls and has seen firsthand the impact social media has on their progress and future aspirations. She believes that social media can be damaging to young girls' body image and confidence. The Women's Tennis Association and International Tennis Federation reported that 458 players were direct targets of abuse in 2024, with many receiving death threats and explicit pictures. England's Jess Carter stepped back from social media due to racist abuse, and a man was sentenced to six weeks in prison for sending her abusive messages. Sophia Dunkley, an English cricketer, stays protected from online noise by limiting her social media interactions and surrounding herself with a close-knit team. The Online Safety Act 2023 imposed strict duties on social media companies, but more needs to be done to combat online abuse targeted at female athletes. Ofcom recommended measures to tech giants to tackle online abuse, including prompts to reconsider harmful messages and stopping payments for posts promoting misogynistic abuse. Meta says it has several measures to help protect users from online abuse, including tools to filter offensive comments and controls to limit who can comment or send messages. Charley Hull, a professional golfer, is not fazed by online hate and ignores 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.