Sexist Uniforms: When Prejudice gets into Sport

Sport, like every facet of human life, is not free of prejudice. Thanks to social networks we have been able to see how different sports practices are still influenced by machismo, racism and xenophobiam among other forms of discrimination. On the side of sexism, the sexist uniforms that are assigned to women in various competitions and the absurd reasons that support these decisions have drawn attention in recent years. Let's look at some of these cases.

Serena Williams mocks Roland Garros

This case surprised the world, as it involved one of the most recognized female athletes in the world. In 2018, after Serena Williams used a catsuit (an elastic material garment that covers the entire body) to compete in the French Open, tournament directives prohibited this type of garment, arguing that it was necessary to “respect the place” .

Williams expressed dissatisfaction with this decision in a very creative way. Shortly after, at the US Open, she played and won a game wearing a very feminine tutu.

The Norwegian handball team achieves an important change

Norway's women's beach handball team was fined in July for wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms. The line-up received a 1,500 euro warning for the 10 players who violated the dress code. However, the case gained traction on social media and the International Handball Federation was forced to change the rules. Shorts and tank tops are now allowed.

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Sexism in swimming at the Tokyo Olympics

Another high-profile case that occurred this year involved some female swimmers from the British Olympic team. The Soul Cap company, whose swim caps fit afros, extensions and thick hair tried to get the International Swimming Federation to approve their products for these Olympic jousts. However, the federation rejected this approval, arguing that the caps do not conform to the "natural shape" of the head. This case drew attention, as it not only highlighted sexism, but also the racism that is present in these sports institutions.