Current Events > Why are some women still wearing skimpy uniforms at Olympics?

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https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2021/07/30/2021-olympics-why-some-women-still-wearing-skimpy-uniforms/5399967001/

Womens beach volleyball players are recommended to have their names on their bikini bottoms but, since space is limited, its not compulsory. Womens beach handball athletes are required to wear bikini bottoms with a maximum side width of 10 centimeters smaller than the size of an iPhone. And in gymnastics, women are allowed to wear a unitard but it must be of elegant design and the neckline must be proper. For all the Olympics do to highlight the success of female athletes, each cycle they spotlight the vestiges of sexism baked into the sports and frequently athletes uniforms. If there was any kind of advantage to having little fabric, the men would be wearing them too, said Charlene Weaving, professor and chair of human kinetics department at St. Francis Xavier University in Canada. If there was any kind of biomechanical advantage, then men would be in Speedos. But theyre not. Why cant it just be performance wear? Those rules impact how we view women athletes and how they view themselves. And it just becomes so entrenched in the culture of the sport that athletes dont even fully understand whats happening. Though it isnt a Olympic sport, beach handball has helped highlight the ways international sport federations sexualize female athletes in stark contrast with men.

Earlier this month, the Norwegian beach handball team decided to wear shorts rather than bikini bottoms in the bronze medal game of the European Beach Volleyball Championship. The European Handball Federation fined the team for refusing to wear skimpier uniforms. International Handball Federation (IHF) rules require women to wear bikini bottoms with a close fit and cut on an upward angle toward the top of the leg and a maximum side width of 10 centimeters. In a statement issued after the Norwegian players reported the fines, the IHF said it would take all efforts to promote the sport and added that this includes the ideal presentation of the sport and, by that, includes the outfit of the players. Spokeswoman Jessica Rockstroh said the International Handball Federation drew upon ideas from other sports specifically beach volleyball and track and field in creating its uniform rules. We would like to emphasize that we are aware of the global discussion surrounding these uniforms and appreciate any feedback from the community, Rockstroh said. Weaving said since its inclusion starting in 1996, beach volleyball has emphasized a beach party culture. The womens bikini uniforms play into that, while the men wear shorts and a tank top. Top U.S. duo April Ross and Alix Klineman said they prefer the smaller bikinis and could have worn shorts if they had chosen to. For me personally, I think everyone should be able to wear what theyre comfortable in, Ross said. I think for us, this is what feels the most comfortable. Sometimes wearing more clothing in really hot weather, getting sand stuck in places is not fun.

This made me look up what beach handball looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YMh2lo7-Tk



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You know theres also regular volleyball at the olympics too right. We win either way! Thongs or yoga shorts ftw

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Wasn't this already answered in the other topic about a week ago?

Because no one gives a shit about women's sports where they aren't showing skin.

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People only watch women sports for their bodies no one cares about their talent. Nips slips during water polo are the best.

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