Findings from Online Abuse in Athletics by World Athletics

World Athletics commissioned a four-year study to analyse online abuse targeting its athletes across four major events. The study, using AI and human analysis, examined 1.4 million posts and comments across multiple platforms, revealing persistent themes of racism, sexism, and sexualised abuse. The research identified key trends, such as the disproportionate targeting of certain athletes and the increasing use of emojis to circumvent platform rules.

Your Role in Managing Online Abuse

1. Education: Read the full report, stay up-to-date with trends in online abuse, and know what resources are available for athletes.

2. Communication: Talk to your athletes by having honest and open conversations about online safety. 

3. Action: Encourage athletes to report abuse, support them if they do, and push for stronger protections from social media companies and governing bodies.

Making a Report of Abuse in Athletics

Everyone including athletes, parents, coaches, support personnel, administrators and supporters play a role in protecting the integrity of our sport. Complaints received will be evaluated and either managed by Athletics Australia, referred to SIA or an appropriate external agency, or passed back to complainant with suggested pathways for them to pursue where the complaint is out of scope.

Knowledge of, or concerns regarding integrity-related matters can be reported to:

• Athletics Australia - In addition to the form above, if you'd like to discuss an issue or seek some advice, contact the General Manager of Integrity, Briar Sefo at integrity@athletics.org.au. Our complaints process is outlined in the Complaints, Disputes & Discipline Policy.

• Sport Integrity Australia - Anything that may constitute prohibited conduct under (a) the Child Safeguarding Policy, (b) discrimination, based on a protected characteristicmatters under the Member Protection Policy, or (c) doping. A complaint can be submitted by the following methods:

  • Filling in a complaint or report form on the Sport Integrity Australia website

  • Emailing contactus@sportintegrity.gov.au

  • Phoning 13 000 27232

  • Completing the ‘report an issue’ form in the Sport Integrity App. This can be anonymous if you choose.

• eSafety Commissioner - abusive or innapropriate online content online can be reported to the eSafety Commisioner for action. eSafety can investigate cyberbullying of children, adult cyber abuse, image abuse (sharing or threatening to share intimate images without consent) and illegal content. Report online harm HERE.