When I was on the cheerleading squad in high school, we donned adorable uniforms—purple and white tank tops with a “V” design and skirts that twirled with every move. I loved being a cheerleader and cherished my uniform. However, I often felt uneasy when performing moves that required me to spread my legs. Our flips and jumps often sent our skirts flying, leaving me anxious about revealing too much or being the subject of unwanted attention from spectators. I created a meticulous shaving routine to ensure no hair escaped my bloomers, and I opted for wedgie-proof undergarments. This anxiety was just part of the experience, a norm we accepted without question because it was part of the sport we loved.
Recently, German gymnast Lena Müller made headlines for her choice to wear a full-body unitard during the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Basel, Switzerland. Alongside her, two teammates also chose similar attire. Reflecting on my cheerleading days, I often wished for more coverage while performing in front of a small crowd.
In an interview with ZDF, Müller expressed, “We women all want to feel comfortable in our own skin. In gymnastics, it becomes increasingly challenging as we transition from childhood to adulthood. As a little girl, I didn’t think twice about the tight outfits. But with puberty came discomfort.” The German gymnastics federation fully supports their athletes, asserting that female competitors should feel at ease in their clothing and should stand against “sexualization in gymnastics.” Müller hopes their choice will empower others who feel uneasy in traditional outfits to follow suit.
The Evolution of Women’s Gymnastics Attire
Historically, women’s gymnastics attire has evolved significantly. At the 1908 Olympics, female gymnasts wore outfits resembling formal dresses, complete with long sleeves and baggy skorts. By the 1948 Olympics, suits began to resemble modern leotards, with a more form-fitting design that showcased the athletes’ legs. Today, the standard leotard is often made from tight, shiny fabric that accentuates every contour of an athlete’s physique. These garments are designed to reflect a gymnast’s personality and instill confidence.
However, these leotards come with their own set of challenges. Due to the nature of the fabric, they can create wedgies, revealing more than intended. If a gymnast adjusts her attire during a performance, she risks losing points. To combat this, many female athletes use a spray called TuffSkin to keep their leotards in place. Although wearing such leotards is customary, it is not mandated. While shorts are not officially banned, they are not recognized as acceptable attire in the Women’s Code of Points. There is currently a petition on change.org advocating for rule changes that would allow female athletes to wear shorts without penalty.
The Importance of Personal Choice
It’s crucial to clarify that choosing to cover up does not imply protection from sexualization or assault. As Aly Raisman pointed out in 2018, the discussion surrounding athlete uniforms intensified following the Larry Nassar scandal. The crux of the issue is about personal choice and consent. While each sport has its standards, there should be more flexibility for gymnasts desiring additional coverage.
In contrast, other sports, like beach volleyball, have updated their uniform requirements to allow for more coverage. Female players are now permitted to wear shorts instead of mandatory bikinis—a change that should extend to all sports. Athletes should have the freedom to choose how they present their bodies without facing penalties.
Although Lena Müller wasn’t completely satisfied with her performance on the beam in Basel, she took pride in her decision to wear a unitard, which she felt looked fantastic. She shared on Instagram, “Feeling good and still looking elegant? Why not?” We couldn’t agree more.
Further Reading
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In summary, the choice of German gymnasts to wear full-body unitards represents a significant stand against the longstanding sexualization in gymnastics. It highlights the importance of personal comfort and choice in athletic attire and encourages flexibility in uniform standards across all sports.