The German women’s gymnastics team protested the sexualization of sports by wearing full-body leotards in the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
To combat the perceived “sexualization” of gymnastics, the German women’s team debuted a new look for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by donning more conservative leotards.
Why Different Leotards at Olympic Trials
The squad competed in the women’s qualifying on Sunday, July 25 in Tokyo, wearing long-sleeved shirts and ankle-length slacks.
The team’s routines were done in burgundy unitards with ankle slits. Bikini-cut leotards with full or half sleeves, or sleeveless, are the standard gymnastics competition attire.
The team donned the suits in place of gymnastics leotards not just for the 2020 Olympics, but also in April. The German Gymnastics Federation claims that the move from leotards to complete unitards was made in protest of the sport’s “sexualization.”
To “present [themselves] aesthetically — without feeling uncomfortable,” the team opted to update their wardrobe. Everyone on the team played a key role in deciding to switch to a unitard uniform.
Gymnast Elisabeth Seitz said,
“It’s about what feels comfortable.” “We aimed to demonstrate that every woman, every person, should have agency over her own wardrobe.” The new arrangement was quickly approved by the staff coaches.
Sarah Voss, another member of their squad, remarked, “We girls had a significant influence on this.” “It was clear that the coaches cared a great deal.
They’ve Assured us that their top Priority is Making us Feel safe and Secure. Feeling Healthier and more at Ease is the Result.”
That Voss also mentioned how the competition attire was designed to provide gymnasts the freedom to wear what makes them feel confident.
“It’s quite challenging to get used to your new body in a manner when you’re growing up as a lady,” she remarked. A long leotard or short leotard, we want everyone to know they can feel beautiful and confident in whatever they choose to wear.
Seitz has high hopes that other gymnastics teams would follow the lead of the German squad. “The general consensus was really favourable.
However, others had far too little time to construct a unitard after the European championships “to which she responded.
Perhaps someday. She also mentioned that the team would occasionally don leotards again. “It’s a choice we make every day, based on how we’re feeling and what we want. We’ll settle on our outfits for the competition the day of.”
Conclusion
So far, their rivals have praised the company’s new course. Norwegian gymnast Julie Erichsen stated, “I think it’s incredibly fantastic that they have the guts to stand on such a vast stage and show females from all over the world that you may wear whatever you want.” They have my highest praise for doing it.