Every weekend we see the posts on social media: Suzie’s leotard didn’t fit her correctly. Jane’s hairstyle was distracting. That coach was wearing heels!
These comments are sexist.
Whether the person making them means them to be or not, constantly commenting on women’s bodies and clothes plays into a long history of paying more attention to how a woman looks, rather than her mind or her abilities.
If Suzie does a fabulous beam routine and has a wedgie, we should be talking about the routine, not her rear. That coach in heels? She’s not the one spotting—there are assistant coaches for that—and she’s not the one moving mats. If she feels strong and powerful in heels, let her wear heels.
When was the last time you heard someone criticize a basketball coach for wearing a suit for a game? You haven’t, because he is a man and because he is not diving on the court when his players are injured. Gymnastics should be no different.
These sort of remarks probably mean well. The folks who say that leotards are ill-fitting are likely thinking the gymnasts are uncomfortable. But that is not for us to say. If gymnasts start speaking out, saying leotards are too skimpy, then let’s listen and make changes. Until then, we should focus on their gymnastics and not their appearance.
If you’re a regular reader, you know we like to discuss leotards here. But there’s a big difference between commenting that you’re not a fan of the sequin design a team put on a leo and singling out an athlete to say her body was showing in ways that upset you.
The gymnasts notice. They’re not children, and we don’t need to coddle them. However, we should respect them as athletes, as women and as people. So please, let’s start focusing on their incredible gymnastics and coaching, and keep such critical clothing and body critiques to ourselves.
Article by Emily Minehart
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Exactly!!! There is a facebook page where a bunch of women are constantly shaming college gymnasts. It is disgusting that they feel its ok to do that and I have responded back saying so but I’ve given up. I just stopped looking at the page because its exhausting to see women criticizing young women. No wonder gymnasts have self-esteem issues!
Thank you for this Emily. I agree with every word.
PREACH THAT.
Completely agree with the points on leotards and body shaming. It has no business being said. However, on the coaches/heels thingy, I have actually watched a really amazing head coach rush to help an athlete who fell and the coach rolled her ankle. Heels are great and all, but safety first!!!
I agree! So are you going to stop doing the “leotard ranking” posts?
Hi there, Thanks for reaching out College Gym News! We would like to help clarify a couple things for you. First, the author of this opinion piece does point out in her column, “If you’re a regular reader, you know we like to discuss leotards here. But there’s a big difference between commenting that you’re not a fan of the sequin design a team put on a leo and singling out an athlete to say her body was showing in ways that upset you.” We’d also like to note that as an opinion piece, the views expressed in the piece are that of the author alone. As a journalism website, we do not take an official side on any matter but do think its important to provide a platform for those who wish to do so. Thanks again for reading College Gym News and taking the time to express your own opinion on the subject! We really appreciate it.
In addition to being sexist, its disrespectful and just plain rude. Id like to say “Who says things like that?” but sadly, many do. It needs to stop. Can you imagine anyone commenting on the way a basketball players shorts fit? It needs to just stop.
I agree on everything except the heels. If a coach in heels really is just on the sidelines, that’s okay. But too many of them are walking across mats or the floor or whatever and aside from risking damage to the expensive equipment, I also worry for their ankles over those squishy mats!
In addition, I think heels are sexist themselves – for some reason flats are viewed as ~too casual~ or don’t make women’s legs ~look as nice~ and it’s BS.
Anyone who thinks reviewing the aesthetic qualities of a leotard is the same as criticizing a person’s body is an idiot. Looking at you, Anon.