Olympic gymnasts tired of being objectified swap leotards for bodysuits
The German gymnastics team is attracting attention for more than its gravity-defying moves at this year’s Olympic games in Tokyo.
In an effort to prevent the sexualization of their bodies and the sport (and just feel comfortable while competing), the gymnasts traded in standard bikini-cut leotards for full-body unitards on Sunday during an Olympics qualifying round.
“We wanted to show that every woman, everybody, should decide what to wear,” said Elisabeth Seitz, a 27-year-old German Olympics gymnast, before the qualifying event, according to Reuters.
Elizabeth Seitz, German gymnast, competes in the Tokyo Olympics in a unitard. Credit: IRIS VAN DEN BROEK / Getty Images
German gymnast Pauline Schaefer-Betz wears a unitard as she flips upside down during the artistic gymnastics balance beam event during the Tokyo Olympic Games. Credit: IONEL BONAVENTURE / Getty Images
Back in June, American gold medalist Simone Biles said she supported athletes being able to wear their preferred uniform, even if she’ll be sticking to the traditional leotard. “I stand with their decision to wear whatever they please and whatever makes them feel comfortable,” Biles said of the German gymnasts, according to the Associated Press. “So if anyone out there wants to wear a unitard or leotard, it’s totally up to you.”
Germany’s Kim Bui shows off her moves in a unitard in a qualifying round of the Tokyo Olympic Games. Credit: AFP via Getty Images
The unitards shouldn’t affect the athletes’ ability to perform at their peak condition.
“We also train in tights so we are used to the feeling,” said Kim Bui, a 32-year-old German Olympics gymnast, according to Reuters. “It is not that different between competition or training. It is comfortable and that is the most important thing.”
The federation requires female players to wear bikini bottoms with “with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg.” However, male handball athletes can wear shorts.
The Norwegian Handball Federation offered to pay the fines, as has singer Pink.