World Athletics Report: Online Abuse Targeting Athletes
World Athletics publishes a four-year study examining trends and prevelance of digital abuse in the sport.
Online abuse targeting athletes is a growing issue that affects their mental health, performance, and overall well-being. As trusted mentors, coaches play a critical role in supporting athletes through these challenges. Understanding the nature, patterns, and impact of online abuse enables you to better advocate for your athletes, offer practical guidance, and foster a supportive environment that prioritises athlete welfare both on and off the track or field.
Key Findings
A four-year study was conducted by World Athletics, in partnership with Threat Matrix, which monitored online abuse targeting athletes during major international events. Covering 2,438 athletes and analysing over 1.4 million social media posts across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, the study identified over 1,258 abusive posts. Racism and sexism were consistently the most prevalent forms of abuse, with an alarming rise in the use of emojis to circumvent platform guidelines, reflecting a 361% increase in 2024 compared to 2023. While initially female athletes were disproportionately targeted, the abuse has balanced over time, with male athletes receiving slightly more abuse at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
World Athletics took significant action, reporting abusive posts, escalating accounts, and referring serious cases to law enforcement. To protect vulnerable athletes, 25 high-risk individuals have been offered year-round AI protection, with plans to expand these safeguards.
Coaches should take note of these findings and the steps being taken to address abuse, as they are pivotal in mitigating its effects on athletes. By educating athletes on online safety, advocating for stricter protections, and fostering a supportive environment, coaches can help their athletes navigate the pressures of a digital world while maintaining their focus on performance and well-being.
Your Role in Managing Online Abuse
Although online abuse may feel like an overwhelming issue, leaving you thinking, "There's nothing I can really do," there are three key steps—education, communication, and action—that all coaches can take to make a meaningful difference in protecting and supporting athletes.
Education
Take the time to read the full report and understand the findings in depth. Stay informed about emerging trends in online abuse, including new tactics such as the weaponisation of emojis and evolving patterns of discrimination. Familiarise yourself with resources available to athletes, including educational materials, reporting tools, and AI protections offered by governing bodies like World Athletics. Attend workshops or training sessions on athlete welfare and online safety to better equip yourself to support your athletes.
Communication
Foster a culture of openness and trust by initiating honest conversations about online safety with your athletes. Create a safe space where athletes feel comfortable sharing their experiences with online abuse, and actively listen to their concerns. Educate them on recognising abusive behaviour, managing social media settings, and maintaining a positive digital presence. Encourage athletes to balance engagement on social media with their mental well-being by setting boundaries or limiting exposure during high-pressure events.
Action
Be proactive in encouraging athletes to report any incidents of online abuse, emphasising that no level of abuse is acceptable. Provide emotional and practical support throughout the reporting process and help them access additional resources, such as counselling or mental health services if needed. Advocate for stronger protections by collaborating with other coaches, teams, and governing bodies to push social media platforms and organisations to enforce stricter policies against online abuse. Lead by example by promoting respectful and constructive online behaviour.