Body Stories: Pretty Athletic

We are so excited about the 2024 Paris Olympics. Watching the cream of the competition, the world’s very best athletes performing their sports is nothing short of inspiring.

These are so inspiring that every Olympics enthuses a new generation of sports lovers. Adults, children and young people who take up new activities or push harder in their own to follow in the footsteps of their sporting icons.

But how does it feel to be an icon? And, are there any bodies more scrutinised than those of athletes – especially those who wear swimwear?

#fitspo

At competitive level from grass roots swim clubs right up to elite level, women and girls taking part in sport have their bodies analysed, weighed, measured and commented on – often with disastrous effects on their mental health. Until recently, competitive swimmers – including children – were routinely weighed, measured and put on diets.

Meanwhile, in social media, #fitspo confuses appearance with sporting performance. Every Olympics, there is fierce debate about some aspects of female athlete’s outfits. And, many female athletes feel the pressure to pose evocatively, objectifying themselves in algorithm-pleasing images that convert likes to sponsorship deals.

Sport should be positive – an antidote to superficial body goals that helps us distinguish performance and function from appearance. "We weren't there to look amazing," ex-Olympian, Liesel Jones, told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "They didn't hand out gold medals just because you look more of an athlete than someone else. I received gold medals and won gold medals because I was the best athlete there was."

But, this cycle of algorithm-pleasing that makes athletes more visible and sponsorable not only reinforces the idea that sport prowess has a look, but it also detracts from the hard work, talent and dedication these athletes demonstrate.

For the next generation

What happens in elite sport trickles down to the grass roots. Not only to young girls starting out in swimming clubs, but also to their coaches and parents and to amateur events.

But, when you stand at the start line of an open-water swimming event, you see women of all body types, sizes, backgrounds, ages and physical abilities. Judgements based on their appearances are hard-wired, but the truth is that you can’t tell who’s the fastest, hardiest or strongest swimmer by looking at them. Water is a great leveller enjoyed by everyone and anyone, and body discrimination has no place here.

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll hear from swimming athletes. Ex-Olympians, marathon swimmers and ice swimming champions on body image, appearance versus performance and how inclusive swimming can be.