German gymnasts wear full bodysuits at Olympics to promote body positivity

Continuing their stand against the sexualisation of Gymnastics, Germany’s female gymnasts were clad in full-bodysuits at the Tokyo Olympics. 

In a bid to make youngsters feel safe in the sport and promote freedom of choice, a few of them wore similar bodysuits earlier at the European Championships this year. The team did so intending to be a role model and instil courage in aspiring sportswomen to follow them. 

Bodysuits have been helpful in defying convention as many gymnasts prefer to cover their legs for religious reasons or simply wish to wear leotards.

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On Sunday, Voss joined Elisabeth Seitz, Pauline Schaefer-Betz and Kim Bui in wearing the red and white outfits, extending to the ankles. “As you are growing up as a woman, it is quite difficult to get used to your new body in a way,” the 21-year-old told Reuters.

“We want to make sure everyone feels comfortable and we show everyone that they can wear whatever they want and look amazing, feel amazing, whether it is in a long leotard or a short one,” she added. 

Three-time Olympian Seitz insisted last week that it was about what feels comfortable. She said in a statement, “We wanted to show that every woman, everybody, should decide what to wear.”

The move garnered appreciation from their fellow competitors at the Tokyo Olympics. “I think it’s really cool that they have the guts to stand on such a huge arena and show girls from all over the world that you can wear whatever you want… I applaud them for that,” said Norwegian gymnast Julie Erichsen

Gymnastics has witnessed enough cases of sexual and physical abuse in the last few years. Therefore, new safety protocols have been introduced in order to protect the athletes and prevent aspiring gymnasts from putting off the sports due to safety reasons.