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Other gymnasts were prompted to speak out across the world.
In the United Kingdom, multiple elite British gymnasts exposed the emotional and physical trauma they endured at the hands of their coaches. More than 400 submissions by traumatised UK gymnasts were subsequently documented in the 2022 Whyte Review, exposing widespread physical, emotional and sexual abuse by coaches.
In New Zealand, former Blenheim Gymnastics Club coach Gregory Pask pleaded guilty in March to more than 60 sexual offence charges against girls under his tutelage.
WHY DO DRESS CODES MATTER?
This is not just about dress codes, it’s about choice – when female athletes are given uniform choices, they are empowered and given a voice.
Recent research involving more than 3,000 girls across eight countries confirmed sports uniforms are an important influence on girls’ engagement in physical activity. If girls experience flexible uniform policies, it is possible to keep them active for longer.
Since many women are not physically active enough, this is imperative for girls’ future health and well-being.
When young girls see women being objectified by the media due to what they wear in sport, this often tells them women are valued for their bodies, rather than their athletic abilities.
Low self-esteem and appearance anxiety can be seeded early on in a girl’s life, especially when puberty kicks in and body satisfaction is already in decline. This can lead to teenage girls developing a body image or eating disorder, and dropping out of physical activity altogether.
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