German gymnasts wear full-body suits at Olympics to promote freedom of choice

The German women’s gymnastics team wore full-body suits in qualifications at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday instead of their traditional bikini cut version to encourage all women to wear what makes them feel comfortable and to promote freedom of choice, reports Reuters.

According to the German Gymnastics Federation, this act is against sexualisation in gymnastics. The aim is to present aesthetically- without feeling uncomfortable, they added in a tweet.

Gegen Sexualisierung im Turnen: EM-Turnerinnen des DTB starten in Basel in langem Turn-Anzug. Ziel ist ästhetisch präsentieren – ohne sich unwohl zu fühlen. #gymnasticalliance @SarahVo46143738 pic.twitter.com/tQbhZE0CHn

— Deutscher Turner-Bund (@dtb_online) April 21, 2021

The International Gymnastics Federation said that attire with full or half sleeves and leg coverings are allowed in the competition, as long as the colour matches the leotard (one-piece garment with no legs).

Sarah Voss, one team member, first wore the suit while competing for the European championships in April.

“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 said.

After this, the entire team decided to participate in the multi-international sports event in red and white unitards and leggings extending to the ankles, in contrast to the costume worn by many other female gymnasts.

Moreover, their mutual decision earned them praise from fellow competitors in Tokyo.

Until now women and girls have only covered their legs in international competitions for religious reasons.