The Olympics has drawn a lot of criticism for its outdated and discriminatory policies that have come up to block some of the best athletes from competing.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\u2019s happened to me today at my competition @EnglandAthleticpic.twitter.com/QlYfPDmxEV— oliviabreen (@oliviabreen) 1626626040
Olivia am aware of similar 'judgements' by officials - those I am aware of, by female officials. Only reference I can find in rules 153 5.1 "athletes must wear clothing.....designed and worn so as not to be objectionable" Surely open to v subjective judgements?— Adrian Chrismas (@Adrian Chrismas) 1626643014
This happened to one of my girls at the ESAA champs on the start line - luckily they let her race - they aren\u2019t even allowed to wear crop tops there. Agree we all need officials but come on guys it\u2019s 2021 and if it\u2019s ok to wear as GB kit then surely it\u2019s ok for everywhere— shireen Higgins (@shireen Higgins) 1626692720
I couldn\u2019t care less what you wear (other than the fact I absolutely adore you!), just keep smashing it and being you. You are an awesome athlete, have earned the right to be competing at the highest stage in whatever you choose, especially when every other athlete wears it too!— Thomas Sampson (@Thomas Sampson) 1626712688
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. A story as old as time. You go @BreenOlivia. Can\u2019t wait to see you in Tokyo.https://twitter.com/breenolivia/status/1416798419088203781\u00a0\u2026— Steph Annie (@Steph Annie) 1626720255
Time to stop the double standard between make and female athletes!https://twitter.com/breenolivia/status/1416798419088203781\u00a0\u2026— STOPDAHATEYNWA (@STOPDAHATEYNWA) 1626719957
This is disgraceful, so wrong that an amazing young woman should be shamed. How on earth is approved sporting kit inappropriate for a sporting competition #FFShttps://twitter.com/breenolivia/status/1416798419088203781\u00a0\u2026— Jellybean (@Jellybean) 1626713331
It\u2019s almost like women will be judged on what they wear rather than their athletic ability\u2026https://twitter.com/breenolivia/status/1416798419088203781\u00a0\u2026— claire bear (@claire bear) 1626706493
Once, I got pulled aside by a female official to tell me that a male official thought that my briefs were inappropriate https://twitter.com/breenolivia/status/1416798419088203781\u00a0\u2026— A (@A) 1626698104
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\u2019s no where near right for officials to comment on clothing. \nFemales should be able to wear what makes them comfortable without any form of judgment!https://twitter.com/breenolivia/status/1416798419088203781\u00a0\u2026— Olivia Gallagher (@Olivia Gallagher) 1626683528
Literally tho I have had similar experiences with UK officials\u2026 I have NEVER had an experience like this competing abroad or at uni in the US. Athletes are there to compete and should be encouraged to do it well, not judged, or critiqued for anything other than competition rules— Amelia Strickler (@Amelia Strickler) 1626633315
Female athletes should be able to wear what makes THEM feel comfortable to perform (and what sports manufacturers have designed for us, largely out of our control) regardless of what is deemed \u2018improper\u2019 as informed by the male gaze.https://twitter.com/breenolivia/status/1416798419088203781\u00a0\u2026— Polly Maton (@Polly Maton) 1626650535
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\u2019m sorry to hear that it has happened to so many other people. Some people have asked what I was competing in yesterday so here is a picture. \n\nI don\u2019t think it is \u201c objectionable\u201d within the UKA regulationspic.twitter.com/rnTPoTxGAz— oliviabreen (@oliviabreen) 1626689496
UK Athletic officials have not yet commented on the decisions.
