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Female athletes competing at the highest levels often face attention that extends beyond their sporting achievements. Many international sportswomen have shared with the BBC their experiences of receiving uncomfortable and inappropriate remarks online about their appearance, overshadowing their performance on the field. Georgia Evans, a Wales and Saracens rugby player, found herself at the centre of such criticism during the 2025 Women’s World Cup. Despite excelling in her sport, some viewers focused more on her choice to wear makeup and style her hair, rather than her abilities. Evans firmly rejected this focus, stating that her performance has “nothing to do with what I look like.”
A survey conducted in 2025 by Women in Sport highlighted a concerning drop in girls aspiring to become professional athletes—the lowest since 2020. The charity attributed this decline to persistent gender stereotypes. Early in her rugby career, Evans described facing “derogatory” comments influenced by stereotypes, including being labelled a “butch lesbian.” She insisted that her sexual orientation does not define her appearance or how she presents herself, affirming, “I’m not going to change who I am.” She continued to embrace her personal style openly, attending matches with her tan, nails, and hair meticulously done, as a ritual that helped her cope with the intense scrutiny under the cameras.
The 2025 Women’s World Cup in England brought intensified public scrutiny for Evans, as she faced online criticism not only for wearing her trademark pink bows but also for her makeup. Some commentators even unfairly linked her appearance to the team’s performances. Reflecting on this, Evans expressed frustration: “It wasn’t just about the big pink bow in my hair, it was about the makeup that I was wearing, about how I was treating it like a fashion show.” She emphasized the disconnect between her athletic skill and external perceptions, saying, “How I play has nothing to do with what I look like.” In response, she addressed the controversies on social media, encouraging her followers by asserting that “a rugby player is no longer defined by your gender or what you look like.” The support she received worldwide was overwhelming, and she recalled having to turn off her phone due to the sheer volume of messages.
Gymnast Ruby Evans shared a different perspective on appearance, considering it an essential element of her performance. She explained, “If I have a bad makeup day and I have to compete, it’s gonna be a bad day,” highlighting the confidence boost provided by looking her best. Although mostly receiving positive feedback, Ruby noticed how even small changes—such as competing without fake tan—drew attention, confirming that her appearance is closely watched. She also noted encountering inappropriate comments online, some from men, which she promptly deletes to protect her largely young female audience. Ruby aspires to set a good example and inspire young girls by being a positive role model in gymnastics.
Despite 2025 being a significant year for women’s sports, research shows a striking disparity in the dreams of girls compared to boys: only 23% of girls aspire to reach the top in sport, down from 38% the previous year, while 53% of boys hold such ambitions. Gwennan Harries, a former Wales international footballer, has observed social media’s role in exacerbating abuse toward female athletes. Now working as a commentator and PE teacher, Harries emphasized the importance of increased visibility for women’s sports, stating that inspiring role models on television help nurture the next generation. “If you don’t see it, you can’t be it,” she said. Echoing this sentiment, Georgia Evans continues to wear her bright pink bows proudly, hoping to show young athletes that they need not change who they are to succeed. “Everybody has their right to look a certain way, be a certain way and the best thing about rugby is like, it’s inclusive to every single person,” she affirmed
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