In a statement on the sexualization of women in sports, the German women’s gymnastics team has decided on full-length unitards for their official uniforms.
The team revealed the new uniforms at a practice session on Thursday. Unlike other teams’ uniforms, the German team’s unitards will cover the gymnast’s legs.
According to Yahoo Sports, the German gymnastics federation told the BBC its gymnasts were taking a stand against the “sexualization in gymnastics,” especially in the wake of the sexual abuse scandals that have plagued the sport.
Sarah Vossi, the 21-year-old German gymnast who led the switch to the new uniforms, said she hopes to set an example for younger gymnasts.
“We hope gymnasts uncomfortable in the usual outfits will feel emboldened to follow our example," said Voss. "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. 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 move comes after the Norwegian women’s handball team made headlines for refusing to wear the bikini bottoms mandated by the European Handball Federation. Meanwhile, a Paralympic athlete was called out at the English championships after judges said her shorts were too revealing.
