Cybercrimes

Open Access: Yes.

Abstract

Online abuse directed toward elite athletes is a recognised problem, with research beginning to document its gendered impacts. While much of the debate about online abuse in sport focuses on identifying abusive behaviours, the perspectives of athletes themselves remain under examined. This article investigates the experiences of professional and elite women’s sport athletes exposed to online harm, with the aim of understanding their experiences and foregrounding athlete voice. Survey (n = 138) and in-depth interview (n = 8) responses were thematically analysed to understand how Australian athletes competing in women’s sport experience and respond to online harm and its effects. Taking an approach informed by feminist theories of embodiment, we identify several major areas of concern raised by athletes, including the extent of online harm, reporting pathways, and limited support. Findings indicate that online harm is a serious workplace issue with impacts on the wellbeing, performance and economic opportunities for athletes competing in women’s sport. We advocate for greater inclusion of athlete voice for improving supports and protections for athletes experiencing online harm.

Relevance

Various studies have found that women athletes are regularly subject to “sexualised and appearance-based commentary and threats of physical violence.” Online sexism, homophobia, racism, and misogyny directed at women athletes is rampant. This study confirmed these observations. The athletes were subject to receiving unwanted and nonconsensual pornography, and threatening sexual content, through direct messaging [DM] linked to their social media accounts.

Citation

Toffoletti, K., McGrane, C., & Reddan, S. (2026). Not Just Trolls: The Experiences and Effects of Online Harm on Elite Women’s Sport Athletes. Communication & Sport. https://doi.org/10.1177/21674795251412781