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

Female athletes are subjected to constant scrutiny and abuse on social media, with many facing negative comments about their appearance, athleticism, and personal lives. Despite their successes on the field, many women in sports are forced to deal with the added pressure of online harassment, which can take a toll on their mental health and well-being. Georgia Evans, a Welsh rugby player, recently spoke out about the abuse she faced after wearing bows in her hair during a match, saying that the comments were 'derogatory' and 'personal'. Evans decided to respond to the abuse, stating that 'a rugby player is no longer defined by your gender or what you look like'. Her response sparked a wave of support from the rugby community, with many young girls and women showing up to her next match wearing their own bows in solidarity. However, the issue of online abuse is not limited to rugby, with many female athletes across various sports facing similar struggles. 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 citing the fear of online abuse and scrutiny as a major deterrent. Marion Bartoli, a former Wimbledon champion, has also spoken out about the abuse she faced during her career, saying that it's 'scary to see the level those people are ready to go to'. The issue of online abuse is not just limited to sports, with many women facing harassment and abuse on social media platforms. The Online Safety Act 2023 has imposed strict duties on social media companies to combat online abuse, but many argue that more needs to be done to protect women and girls from online harassment. As Sophia Dunkley, an English cricketer, says, 'it's about getting the balance of those things, and also not letting it distract you from what you're trying to do'. For some female athletes, like Charley Hull, the key to dealing with online abuse is to ignore it and focus on their own goals and aspirations. As Hull says, 'I don't really care what people think of me. I've always been like that. I've got my opinion, and everyone's in touch with their own opinion'. The message from female athletes is clear: success should not come at the cost of personal safety, mental wellbeing, or identity. As Evans concludes, 'it's just important to know, we stand together as female athletes and we're not going to tolerate or put up with people saying personal things or people directly commenting on people's appearances, livelihood, how they go about themselves'.