Sports star's Q&A session descends into sexist barrage

British broadcaster Sky Sports has condemned the "unacceptable and offensive" abuse dished out to former gymnast Beth Tweddle during a live Q&A session.

Tweedle, a bronze medallist at the 2012 London Olympics, took part in a live and interactive Twitter session as part of the Everyday Sexism project, which is aimed at promoting women in sport.

Fans were given the opportunity to ask sport-related questions, but instead Tweedle became a victim of a series of sexist and insulting tweets completely unrelated to her sport.

One man tweeted: "are all sportswomen lesbians?" while another asked: "do you think pregnancy is a poor injury excuse and women should be able to run it off?"

The lowest point came when Tweedle said she began gymnastics at age 7, which led to some users asking her if she was sexually active at that age as well.

Some of the most offensive tweets were later deleted, but several were published on Storify.

Sky Sports condemned the abusive tweets, saying it highlighted why the Everyday Sexism project is so important.

"We're committed to supporting women's sport and Beth's Q&A was a chance for fans to engage with one of Britain's most successful sports stars, a statement read.

“We're appalled that some people chose to abuse her.

"This experience highlights some of the unacceptable and offensive attitudes that can be encountered by women in the public eye."

Tweedle, a three-time Olympian and triple world champion, retired in August 2013.