Sarah Voss - sexualisation of costumes in gymnastics

[tumbletastic]

Tried searching but couldn't find a thread on this already.

A German gymnast has worn a full body costume to promote safety and comfort in the sport.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-56858863.amp

It's was not something I ever really thought too hard about but I'm so glad that this is happening especially for the girls/ women that follow behind. I hope it catches on for those who chose to wear.

No more points deducted for wearing non traditional leotards.

Good move. Some of those leotards look almost painful.

And also no more points lost for adjusting the leotard during.
Well done.

Notice there there is no comment from BGA!

I hope it become the new normal.

No more tit tape keep leotards in place over buttocks and have to ever pubic hair removed.

I think it's great - about time!

Well done to Sarah Voss!

That looks so much more comfortable than the leotards

Yes, much better, no more worrying about public hair showing and tampon strings etc. If anyone objects you really have to wonder why tbh.

Always found those outfits for female gymnasts (and other female athletes) ridiculously brief at the gusset area. How can that be necessary?

This is a good development. Well done Sarah Voss.

I really like that costume design as well. Not just more comfortable but also more appealing IMO. Good for her.

It's a great design, looks smart and makes me wonder why no one has ever done this before. Ideally there would be no fuss about it and it will just become the norm.

This is really good, if this makes gymnasts more comfortable (I would HATE to have to wear a leotard) then good for them.

Much better than the tiny leotards.

I always wondered why tiny leotards were necessary. The men don't wear them, do they?

I think it looks lovely, and I find it ridiculous that this isn’t already the norm!

I think it looks much more elegant.

Good on her.

And yes, as monkey said - you would have to wonder why anyone would object...

They should be allowed to wear what is comfortable for them - full length, traditional or something in between. Athletes get to choose, some wear very skimpy others wear nearly knee length or even full length about time this flexibility was introduced to all sports (at the very minimum women should be allowed the same coverage as men!)

Hoo sodding ray.

About bloody time too.

It has taken far too long for a female gymnast to be given support by her NGB and team to do this. Good for her and her teammates for saying they too will make the change.

Next - beach volleyball!

I think the leotards are too skimpy to be comfy but I am wondering whether this isn't a bit slippery? I'd have thought that knee length (like the men) would be more practical.

Good for her! I remember quitting gymnastics at puberty and hating competitions as I couldn't wear my shorts over the top

They all train in full length leggings, Voss said in the article. If it wasn't safe then it wouldn't be part of the existing rules for competition wear.

And I always thought it was really unfair that women were meant to get rid of any trace of pubic hair AND wear skimpy outfits whereas men could get away with it - but were also allowed more coverage. This applies to bikinis/swimming trunks too.

One of the BGA claims is that they need to see the muscle definition on their thighs apparently they don't need to for men.

Well I do prefer her outfit but I was concerned reading the article .. which seemed to imply that covering up was the right response to protect from abuse