The German gymnastics team pushed back on the “sexualization” of their sport by forgoing bikini-cut leotards in favor of full-body outfits at the Tokyo Olympics.
“It’s about what feels comfortable,” German gymnast Elisabeth Seitz said. “We wanted to show that every woman, everybody, should decide what to wear.”
“We women all want to feel good in our skin. In the sport of gymnastics it gets harder and harder as you grow out of your child’s body,” gymnast Sarah Voss said when Team Germany debuted their new outfits in April. “As a little girl, I didn’t see the tight gym outfits as such a big deal. But when puberty began, when my period came, I began feeling increasingly uncomfortable.”
The Associated Press provides context:
The Tokyo Olympics are the first Summer Games since Larry Nassar, a former USA Gymnastics national team doctor, was sent to prison for 176 years for sexually abusing hundreds of gymnasts, including some of the sport’s greatest stars. At his sentencing, athletes — some of them Olympians — described how the sport’s culture allowed for abuse and objectification of young women and girls.
The German suits – which cover the athletes’ arms and legs – are in compliance with the sport’s governing rules. But earlier this month, the Norwegian women’s beach handball team was penalized for wearing skin-tight shorts instead of bikini bottoms at a European tournament.
Male gymnasts have always worn less revealing clothing – loose fitting shorts or long pants.
Simone Biles, America’s top gymnast, said she prefers the traditional leotard because they lengthen her leg and make her appear taller.
“But I stand with their decision to wear whatever they please and whatever makes them feel comfortable,” Biles said. “So if anyone out there wants to wear a unitard or leotard, it’s totally up to you.”
