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

Female athletes are constantly scrutinized for their appearance, behavior, and performance, with many facing online abuse, stalking, and even death threats. Despite their achievements and dedication to their sports, they are often subjected to derogatory comments, sexist remarks, and personal attacks. The situation is further complicated by the fact that social media companies have not done enough to combat online abuse, leaving many athletes feeling vulnerable and unprotected. The story of Georgia Evans, a Welsh rugby player, highlights the issue, as she was subjected to abuse for wearing bows in her hair during a match. The situation led to a massive outpouring of support from her teammates, family, and the wider rugby community, with many calling for greater action to be taken against online trolls. The issue is not limited to rugby, with female athletes across various sports facing similar problems. 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 online abuse and harassment as a major concern. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli is well aware of the alarming statistics and has seen firsthand the impact social media has had on the progress and future aspirations of teenage girls. The Online Safety Act 2023 has imposed strict duties on social media companies, but the measures do not go far enough to combat the level of abuse targeted at female athletes. Sport England Chair Chris Boardroom has written to Ofcom raising concerns regarding the online racist and sexist abuse directed at individuals of the England Women's football team. Ofcom has recommended a series of measures to tech giants to tackle online abuse, including prompts telling users to reconsider harmful messages and stopping payments for posts promoting misogynistic abuse and sexual violence. Meta says it has several measures to help protect users from online abuse on Facebook and Instagram, including tools to filter offensive comments and controls to limit who can comment or send messages. However, for some female athletes, the online hate and abuse have become a normal part of their lives, and they have learned to ignore the opinions and judgments made by people hiding behind their keyboards. Charley Hull, a professional golfer, is one such example, who has long fended off criticism for her actions on the golf course and is not fazed by online hate. 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.