Online Abuse, Sport and Women Athletes: A Narrative Review

Joanna Wall Tweedie, Aaron C. T, Catherine Ordway, University of Canberra Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Department of Sport Management, Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Newcastle Business School, University of Newcastle, Institute for Sport Business, Loughborough University, University of New South Wales

Communication & Sport

Published online on February 18, 2026

Abstract

Communication & Sport, Ahead of Print.
This narrative review examines the antecedents of online abuse and specifically the factors that make sport an especially susceptible context and women athletes particularly at risk. The commercialisation of sport has intensified social media scrutiny, ...