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The Olympics has drawn a lot of criticism for its outdated and discriminatory policies that have come up to block some of the best athletes from competing.
And the slights have started to seem intentional, as more and more cases show up.
One of the UK's top Paralympians, Olivia Breen, a 24-year-old with cerebral palsy, was suddenly sidelined by an official after being told her sprinter's briefs, designed specifically for competing, were "inappropriate."
Breen posted to Twitter about her dismay.
Here something I felt like sharing that’s happened to me today at my competition @EnglandAthletic https://t.co/QlYfPDmxEV— oliviabreen (@oliviabreen) 1626626040.0
@BreenOlivia @EnglandAthletic Olivia am aware of similar 'judgements' by officials - those I am aware of, by female… https://t.co/TR5XPzaUPk— Adrian Chrismas (@Adrian Chrismas) 1626643014.0
@BreenOlivia @EnglandAthletic This happened to one of my girls at the ESAA champs on the start line - luckily they… https://t.co/3AHzyIUo3Y— shireen Higgins (@shireen Higgins) 1626692720.0
@BreenOlivia @EnglandAthletic I couldn’t care less what you wear (other than the fact I absolutely adore you!), jus… https://t.co/yTh4jRWRjc— Thomas Sampson (@Thomas Sampson) 1626712688.0
After the judgment, Breen told UK publication The Guardian that she would file a complaint with UK Athletics, though as of now, she has yet to hear back from the organization.
"I have been really shocked by the number of female athletes or their coaches who have told me about similar incidents happening to them," she said.
Reducing our strong, brilliant, sports women to the size of their running knickers. Women being told what to wear.… https://t.co/jEkjr2XSTa— Steph Annie (@Steph Annie) 1626720255.0
Time to stop the double standard between make and female athletes! https://t.co/PYG8vqjIoz— STOPDAHATEYNWA (@STOPDAHATEYNWA) 1626719957.0
This is disgraceful, so wrong that an amazing young woman should be shamed. How on earth is approved sporting kit i… https://t.co/yGdKRJ2fN3— Jellybean (@Jellybean) 1626713331.0
@jameelajamil It’s almost like women will be judged on what they wear rather than their athletic ability…🤨 https://t.co/vpOrPBbJ1M— claire bear (@claire bear) 1626706493.0
Once, I got pulled aside by a female official to tell me that a male official thought that my briefs were inappropr… https://t.co/HLtkEhFF59— A (@A) 1626698104.0
Other Paralympians and female athletes shared their stories on how they have been approached by male athletes, judges, officials, and referees.
Someone please tell me how this is right. It’s no where near right for officials to comment on clothing. Females s… https://t.co/k9TIHftMtY— Olivia Gallagher (@Olivia Gallagher) 1626683528.0
@marrs_megan Literally tho I have had similar experiences with UK officials… I have NEVER had an experience like th… https://t.co/Vyx907pX8w— Amelia Strickler (@Amelia Strickler) 1626633315.0
Female athletes should be able to wear what makes THEM feel comfortable to perform (and what sports manufacturers h… https://t.co/ThffXwp4cx— Polly Maton (@Polly Maton) 1626650535.0
Breen posted a thank you to her supporters along with a photo of herself in the sports bra and briefs that she'd been competing in:
Thank you everyone for all your lovely supportive messages and I’m sorry to hear that it has happened to so many ot… https://t.co/7Ljm8QDhjL— oliviabreen (@oliviabreen) 1626689496.0
UK Athletic officials have not yet commented on the decisions.