The Sexualization of Female Athletes
When you think of skimpy bikinis and high-cut bodysuits, professional women’s sports shouldn’t come to mind. Female athletes are subjected to revealing uniforms and constant scrutiny of their bodies, from objectification to body-shaming. Just an internet search of “female athletes” recommends videos racking up millions of views titled “Top 10 Hottest Women In Sports” with thumbnails of them from voyeuristic angles.
Body shaming almost drove Katelyn Ohashi, an American gymnast, to quit the sport, after being told she “looked like a pig” and that she appeared “like she swallowed an elephant.” The Badminton World Federation tried to force women to compete in skirts to “look feminine and have a nice presentation.” In April, the French Senate banned the wearing of hijabs in sports competitions, excluding many Muslim girls from participating in sports.
Policies and controversy around young athletes’ bodies are extremely harmful and can traumatize and possibly deter them from participating at all. These rules fail to understand different hair, skin, and body types or to accommodate periods and non-western athletes. But why aren’t men being held to the same standards? Why are women forced to be exposed while men can cover up?
As a result, current sports teams are taking a stand on the situation. In this year’s Olympics, Germany’s women’s gymnastics team wore ankle-length unitards instead of high-cut leotards in protest of the gross over-sexualization of their bodies. While they were applauded for their bravery, similar acts of defiance did not receive the same reaction. The Norwegian women's beach handball team was fined $1,700 for refusing to wear bikini bottoms while playing. Their thigh-length elastic shorts were deemed “improper clothing” while their male counterparts were able to wear tank tops and long shorts.
More women with diverse backgrounds in leadership positions would be able to stop men from policing women’s bodies and enforcing restrictive western feminine ideals. Rules should permit athletes to choose what they want to wear based on personal and comfort needs, thus allowing more women to be recognized for their athleticism rather than aesthetic appeal. Giving women autonomy would protect them from objectification and body shaming, making sports more inclusive. Sports should be played without discrimination of any kind. Until we can achieve that, let women dress the part.