Tokyo Olympics: Women Power In Attire Choices
At the Tokyo Games, female athletes are finally getting the sartorial freedom they’ve been fighting for, and the voices that used to be buried under the weight of “professionalism” are now loud and proud. From badminton courts to gymnastics studios, the competition is not just about scores—it’s also a runway show that celebrates comfy, confident, and personally‑chosen apparel.
Badminton’s Culture‑Clash‑Fashion‑Frenzy
- Out of 30+ women on the court, roughly two‑thirds rocked shorts, while the rest flaunted skorts, skirts, dresses or, in one standout case, a hijab.
- Rio silver medalist PV Sindhu strutted in a blue dress as she crushed Hong Kong’s Cheung Ngan Yi (21‑9, 21‑16).
- Iranian Soraya Aghaei Hajiagha brought the cultural mix—her coach paired a dress, leggings and hijab for a match against China’s He Bing Jiao.
- Belgian Lianne Tan and Nozomi Okuhara of Japan graced the court in skorts that look like skirts from the front, but keep the practicality of shorts.
Gymnastics: The Full‑Body Suit Revolution
Germany’s women’s gymnastics team rolled out full‑bodysuits in qualifications, hoping to send a clear message: comfort can look cool. The idea? Encourage every woman to feel free to wear the gear that feels “just right.”
Beach Handball: When Rules Meet Reality
Meanwhile, the Norwegian beach handball squad were slapped with a €1,500 fine after choosing shorts instead of the mandatory bikini bottoms. The governing bodies argued that the sport’s “ideal presentation” requires a strict, close‑fit style. This incident sparked a debate about whether such strictness is still relevant in a world full of diverse preferences.
Learning From The Past
Back in the lead‑up to the 2012 London Games, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) sent a shockwave by pushing women to wear skirts—an “attempt to make the sport more feminine and attractive.” That rule was abandoned before the games. Today, the BWF is turning the tables:
- Nora Perry—a two‑time world champion and BWF council member—states the industry’s shift: “Manufacturers, including big names like Adidas and Yonex, now cater to athletes who prefer shorts or long shorts.”
- As Perry explained, she grew up wearing skirts with “frilly things underneath.” The modern consensus is that athletes should voz to what feels comfortable, not just what looks flashy.
Voices From The Field
British veteran Kirsty Gilmour shared, “I never felt comfortable in a skirt, so I’m grateful that we now have choices like short shorts or long shorts.” She added that her compatriot, Tai Tzu‑Ying, prefers a sleeveless top—proof that each athlete’s style is as unique as their game.
Bottom Line
In the end, the Tokyo Olympics confirmed that there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for athletic wear. Women athletes, armed with confidence and choice, are redefining what it means to compete in style—where freedom, comfort, and a dash of humor win the day.
