More than 250 abusive social media posts were sent to athletes during this summer’s World Athletics Championships.
Racist abuse formed 35% of the abusive posts – a 14% increase on the 2022 championship – and 16% were sexist.
The study examined 449,209 posts sent to 1,344 athletes. Two athletes not named by the study were targeted by 44% of the 258 overall abusive posts.
“We have a responsibility to protect our athletes,” said WA’s Jon Ridgeon.
“As we enter an Olympic year, with the extra attention that brings, we are seeking urgent meetings with these platforms to achieve a greater level of enforcement and safeguarding for our athletes.
“Athletes should not have to accept abuse as an inevitable consequence of being on these social media platforms.”
The study, the third of its kind with a fourth scheduled for the 2024 Olympic Games, states 46% of posts were sent to US athletes and in nature.
The United States topped the medal table at the competition in Budapest, including a gold medal for Noah Lyles in the men’s 100m.
Team GB finished seventh with highlights including Josh Kerr winning gold in the men’s 1500m and Keely Hodgkinson claiming silver in the women’s 800m.
