Ladies in Leotards
Exploring the implications of beauty standards in women’s gymnastics.
Like so many other people, I tuned in to watch the Paris 2024 Olympics’ Women’s Artistic Gymnastics a couple of weeks ago. I’ve seen women’s gymnastics before—but I’ve never watched it having just finished teaching an intensive university course on feminism. I couldn’t help but notice how revealing the leotards were—high cut, showing a good third to half of the gymnasts’ butt cheeks. That the uniforms were covered with sparkling crystals. And that the gymnasts—the youngest of whom is only sixteen years old—all seemed to be wearing makeup. Simone Biles could be seen on camera waiting for her score after an incredible tumbling routine dabbing carefully at her forehead. God forbid an Olympian should be seen to sweat.
