The German women’s gymnastics team has ditched bikini-cut uniforms in favor of full-body versions at the Tokyo Olympics, in what the German Gymnastics Federation has called a statement against “sexualization.”
German Olympic gymnasts wear full-body uniforms in rejection of the “sexualization” of the sport
The costumes, which the team wore in its qualifications at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, cover the legs to the ankle and contrast with the high-cut leotards worn by many other gymnasts at the Olympics.
” It’s about what feels comfortable,” said German gymnast Elisabeth Seitz.
“We wanted to show that every woman, all over the world, should decide what to wear,” she added.
The costumes are a statement against “sexualization in gymnastics,” the German Gymnastics Federation said in April, adding, “The aim is to present oneself aesthetically, without feeling uncomfortable.”
According to the InternationalGymnastics Federation, gymnastics outfits with full sleeves or tights and covering the legs are allowed to be worn in competition.
Seitz said other athletes had responded positively to the uniforms and he hoped others would feel free to wear the garment of their choice in the future.
“Most people were positive about it. But after the European championships, time was too short for others to design a jumpsuit,” Seitz said.
“We girls had a big influence on this,” said gymnast Sarah Voss. “The coaches were also interested, they said they wanted us to feel more confident and comfortable no matter what.”
Seitz stressed that wearing that uniform was a matter of choice and comfort.
