Teenage figure skaters, with some as young as 13, are facing a surge in abusive remarks on social media, as highlighted by Olympic gold medallist Evan Bates. The sport has experienced a resurgence in popularity post the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, particularly during events like the Junior Grand Prix figure skating competitions, which cater to aspiring Olympians aged 13 and above.
Bates, who leads the International Skating Union’s athletes committee, expressed concerns over the growing negativity surrounding online streams due to increased viewership. He emphasized the detrimental impact of such toxic environments on young skaters, emphasizing that their pursuit of excellence should not compromise their mental health.
Ahead of signing up to a campaign against online abuse, the ISU has committed to providing athletes with AI-powered tools to shield them from harmful comments on their social media platforms. Bates, along with his ice dance partner Madison Chock, urged more seasoned athletes to speak out against online abuse and support their fellow skaters.
In a unique collaboration between the ISU and the United Against Online Abuse campaign, originally initiated by the FIA in auto racing, efforts are being made to combat the rise of social media hostility. Bates is actively encouraging skaters to utilize a protective tool to filter out negative content, despite initial reservations about granting third-party access to their accounts.
Acknowledging the prevalence of athlete harassment in internet culture, Bates stressed that the direct accessibility of social media has amplified the issue. He cited instances of abusive behavior in various sports and emphasized the need for collective action to safeguard athletes from online abuse.
