In this episode, Bethany Busch and Auria Zahed tackle one of the most urgent issues in athletics today: the pervasive abuse female athletes face from childhood through professional levels. This episode is not just about statistics—it’s a call to action for coaches, parents, and athletes themselves.
Prevalence of Abuse
Abuse in women’s sports is systemic, with studies showing alarming rates:
26–74% of female athletes experience interpersonal violence across psychological, physical, and sexual categories.
21% report sexual abuse in sports, but only 7% disclose it due to fear of reprisal or exclusion.
10.6% report physical abuse, including intentional cleating or being hit with equipment under the guise of “toughening up.”
Abuse is often linked to power imbalances between athletes, coaches, and officials.
Devastating Consequences
Female athletes face severe mental and physical health effects:
Suicidal ideation and self-harm
Eating disorders and Female Athlete Triad (loss of menstrual cycles, bone density issues)
Case studies mentioned:
Mary Kane, Nike Oregon Project: extreme pressure to be thinner led to self-harm and suicidal thoughts
Five NCAA athletes in 2022 lost their lives following sexual misconduct/harassment
Larry Nassar: abused over 250 U.S. Olympic team members over 20 years
Systemic and Cultural Issues
“Suck it up and walk it off” culture teaches submission to authority and disconnect from bodily autonomy.
Female athletes’ success is measured by numbers, not personal fulfillment.
Abuse is not gender-exclusive: emotional abuse and body shaming can come from female coaches too (e.g., University of Wisconsin Cross Country team).
Online abuse is heavily gendered: 87% of abusive tweets during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics targeted women.
Call for Change: Positive Coaching
Bethany and Auria advocate for:
Coaching that prioritizes mental and physical health
Positive reinforcement and open communication about training cycles
Believing young girls and women when they report abuse
Educating children about anatomy, equality, and healthy boundaries
Progress is possible:
Simone Biles withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize mental health
Laurie Hernandez encourages athletes to trust their instincts
2020 Tokyo Olympics achieved equal male-female representation for the first time
Head 2 Toe Strength: Supporting Athletes
Our team provides resources for female athletes navigating abuse or trauma:
This episode is a rallying cry to protect young athletes, challenge systemic abuse, and empower women in sport.
Read more insights and explore all episodes on our Podcast and Blog.
Show Notes UpLift Women’s Wellness Episode 24 🎧
Episode Title: Abuse in Women’s Sports: The Shocking Truth About Trauma, Power, and Athlete Safety
Hosts: Bethany Busch & Auria Zahed
In this episode, we cover:
Prevalence of abuse in women’s sports (psychological, physical, sexual)
Statistics on disclosure, power dynamics, and physical abuse
Mental and physical consequences: suicidal ideation, self-harm, Female Athlete Triad
Case examples: Mary Kane, NCAA athletes, Larry Nassar
Systemic issues in athlete culture and social media abuse
Calls for positive coaching, mental health prioritization, and believing survivors
Steps for protecting young athletes and promoting empowerment
Referenced Resources:
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