Nearly half of women participating in sports have been subjected to sexist insults, a new survey reveals. The derogatory remarks have included phrases such as 'throw like a girl,' accusations that they 'look like a man,' or suggestions that they are 'not strong enough'. In a poll of 3,000 female athletes, additional unwanted comments included claims that women were inferior to men in sports or that female athletes were 'soft'.

Male strangers on the street were found to be the primary source of these comments, followed by male athletes and male coaches. Commissioned by AXA Health Insurance, the research was commented on by Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, deputy chief medical officer: "Comments about physical ability or derogatory statements about gender have no place in sport or exercise."

"It can be a lose-lose situation for women sometimes. Despite the progress which has been made to improve access to women's sport, the research shows there's still a long way to go to making sport an equal playing field for all," she added.

Olympian Sam Quek, who won gold for Team GB at the Rio Olympics in the women's hockey, said: "As a woman in sport, I've experienced and also heard a number of insults; 'Oh, she's hormonal, oh, she's on her period, she throws like a girl, she's not strong enough – the list is endless."

"One area in women's sport which I have loved to see evolve is the menstrual cycle and women's periods, because whether you like it or not, it does affect sporting performance."

The research showed four in ten were negatively impacted by menstrual health. "We are not using it as an excuse," said Sam "we just needed a greater understanding."

The research showed 78 percent feel female sportswomen don't get the credit they deserve, even though 94 percent of parents consider it's important to set a good example to kids with regards to exercise.

Worryingly, 58 percent of those who have been subjected to sexist abuse admitted it made them consider quitting sport altogether.

Eight in ten said coaches, officials, spectators and those in the sporting community need to do more to stop sexist abuse by speaking out, promoting equal opportunities and acknowledging women's achievements.

Dr Bradshaw said: "It's important we ensure that women are treated fairly, so we need to normalise flexing training plans to suit women's needs, such as using the stages of the menstrual cycle to benefit training.

"We know that certain stages of the cycle women can feel more fatigued, but there are stages where they might feel stronger, too – so they can use this to their advantage. Women menstruating are also more likely to suffer injuries, so this should be factored into training plans."

Sam Quek added: "Sport for me is magical. It's for everyone. To any female involved in sport who has been told they're too much – you're not, you're you. And to any female who has been told we're not enough, we are enough."