Athletes Face Online Hate Over Looks

Female international athletes are increasingly facing "derogatory" and "weird" online commentary focused on their physical appearance. Georgia Evans, a Welsh rugby player, spoke out after being criticized during the Women's World Cup for her makeup and hairstyle, asserting that her performance on the field is independent of how she looks. This type of scrutiny is being linked to a concerning trend: a survey indicated that the number of girls aspiring to become professional athletes has fallen to its lowest point since 2020, a decline attributed by the charity Women in Sport to pervasive gender stereotypes.

Evans shared that early in her career, she endured comments that stereotyped her sexuality, but she remains steadfast in her personal presentation, including game-day styling. The criticism during the World Cup escalated, with some suggesting her appearance, including pink bows and makeup, contributed to the team's losses. She countered this by stating that her dedication to rugby, a sport she has trained for her entire life, should not be questioned based on her appearance. Her public statement garnered widespread support, highlighting a powerful message that a rugby player is not defined by gender or looks.

Olympic gymnast Ruby Evans echoed similar sentiments, noting that for her, appearance and performance are intertwined, with good makeup days often correlating with peak performance. While she generally receives positive online feedback, she has observed attention drawn to even minor changes in her appearance, such as not wearing fake tan. Evans, whose audience includes young girls, actively moderates her online space, deleting inappropriate comments to maintain a positive role model image. This comes amidst a broader concern highlighted by a 2025 survey showing a significant drop in girls' sporting aspirations compared to boys, underscoring the need for greater visibility and respect for women in sports.