The Dark Side of Gymnastics: Beyond Uniforms and Sexualization

In the realm of gymnastics, athletes not only face physical and mental demands but also contend with significant issues surrounding their uniforms and sexualization.

The debate over what gymnasts can and can’t wear, do, and say is deeply rooted in the sport’s culture and has sparked a necessary conversation about sexism, safety, and the well-being of athletes.

The controversy over gymnastics uniforms has been a focal point for many years. Female gymnasts often wear tight, high-cut leotards, which some argue are too revealing and contribute to the sexualization of the athletes.

This issue came to the forefront during the Tokyo Olympics two years ago when the German gymnastics team made headlines by wearing full-body unitards instead of the traditional leotards. This bold move was a direct challenge to the persistent mandate that appearance is as important, if not more so, than comfort or talent.

Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in the world and a survivor of sexual abuse by former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, brought attention to the mental health struggles gymnasts face.

Biles prioritized her well-being over an audience hungry for her performance, withdrawing from the team final and the individual all-around competition to focus on her mental health. This decision was monumental, showing that even the most successful athletes need to prioritize their mental well-being.

The German gymnasts’ choice to wear unitards was not the first time athletes opted for attire that defies convention. Weeks before the Olympics, German artistic gymnast Sarah Voss wore a full-body suit at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships, a move supported by her country’s gymnastics federation.

This decision was a stand against the sexualization in gymnastics and was followed by her teammates. The German Federation stated that the change in uniform aimed to prevent sexual abuse and hoped it would inspire other gymnasts to feel comfortable in their attire.

Sexualization in gymnastics is part of a broader issue of objectification of women in sports. According to the American Psychology Association, sexualization ties a person’s value solely to their sexual appearance or behavior, disregarding their other characteristics.

Studies reveal that girls who are viewed and treated as objects often develop mental health issues. This was evident in Simone Biles’s decision to withdraw from the Olympics to prioritize her mental health.

The sexualization of women in athletics is widespread. A study published by Edinburgh Dunedin Academic Press found that 34% of female athletes have been sexually abused by a coach, medical personnel, or trainer. Women athletes are frequently scrutinized for their appearance rather than their skills.

This is particularly evident in gymnastics, where the standard uniform has been tight, bikini-cut leotards for decades. The German team’s choice to wear full-body suits at the Tokyo Olympics was seen as an effort to combat the sexualization of their traditional uniforms.

Sarah Voss explained that feeling safe and not worrying about what others can or cannot see is crucial for performance. She noted that some girls quit the sport because of the discomfort caused by the traditional leotards.

The option to wear full-body suits allows athletes to stay in the sport they love without worrying about their appearance. Voss’s statement highlights the importance of athletes feeling comfortable in their uniforms to focus on their performance.

Other gymnasts have also opted for bodysuits in recent years. Marina Nekrasova of Azerbaijan wore one at a World Cup event in 2019, and Jana Elkeky of Qatar wore a bodysuit that covered her upper legs at the 2018 World Championships in Doha. Nekrasova expressed that she wanted to show that there are no limits and that it’s possible to change the uniform to train and compete.

American gymnast Simone Biles, although preferring leotards for their lengthening effect on her legs, stands by the decision of others to wear whatever makes them comfortable. Biles and her teammate Sunisa Lee both support the idea that athletes should be able to wear what they feel comfortable in. This sentiment is essential for the progress of the sport, emphasizing the importance of freedom of choice in attire.

The debate over uniforms is just one aspect of the broader issue of sexualization and abuse in gymnastics. The culture of gymnastics has allowed figures like Larry Nassar to commit abuses, and systemic changes are necessary to prevent such incidents. The freedom to choose what to wear is a step towards progress, but it does not solve the deeper issues of abuse and sexualization.

More female athletes are speaking out against inappropriate behavior and advocating for changes in the sport. Raising awareness, acknowledging the issues, and educating others are crucial steps towards making a better future for female athletes. The goal is to create an environment where athletes feel safe and are judged based on their performance, not their appearance.

In conclusion, the dark side of gymnastics extends beyond the physical and mental demands of the sport. The issues surrounding uniforms and sexualization highlight the need for systemic change.

Athletes like Simone Biles and the German gymnastics team are paving the way for a future where comfort, safety, and mental health are prioritized. By addressing these issues and advocating for change, we can create a better environment for all athletes in the sport.