In the world of elite sports, fame comes with both adoration and unsettling dangers. Coco Gauff , the reigning US Open champion and one of the most marketable athletes on the planet, has revealed that she, too, has been a victim of stalking at airports , a terrifying reality shared by many female athletes.
The year-old World No. Thomas, a multiple-time Olympic medalist in track and field, posted a TikTok video detailing how unknown individuals have been tracking her movements at airports across the country. Gauff shocked fans when she responded in the comments, revealing she has also experienced the same stalking ordeal throughout her career. My theory is maybe someone at the airport tips them off. This chilling admission raised alarm bells in the sports world, shedding light on the lack of privacy and security even for top-tier athletes.
Sadly, stalking and harassment have been persistent issues in professional sports, particularly for female athletes who often face heightened scrutiny and online abuse.
Gauff, despite being one of the most beloved and highest-paid female athletes in the world, has not been immune to such behavior. The WTA Finals champion has previously spoken out about social media trolls who target her with hateful comments, but the real-life safety concerns at airports add another terrifying dimension.
For public figures like Gauff and Thomas , the idea of someone having their flight information— possibly leaked by airport insiders —is a deeply troubling prospect. More stringent measures, including harsh penalties for those caught stalking athletes , could be implemented. Although she suffered a setback at the Australian Open , losing in the quarterfinals to Paula Badosa , Gauff remains one of the top contenders on tour.
