"It is megakrass that a world-famous celebrity like Orlando Bloom became aware of our boring suits and shared the contribution in his story with over five million followers," Kim Bui told ARD sports show.
And there was also plenty of praise from the gyms: "I think it's really cool that they have the courage to stand on such a large arena and show women from all over the world that you can wear what you want," said theNorwegian gymnast Julie Erichsen.Because instead of the usual Leotard - a swimsuit -like outfit - the quartet wore a so -called unitard.
Already at the European Championships in April, the gymnasts caused a sensation when the long white sleeves and the red trouser legs covered their whole body.
The debate about sexualized sports clothing does not only affect sports in which the Olympics are currently fighting for medals.For these the gymnasts could now be a special role model.
"As part of the German gymnastics team, we are also a role model for many younger athletes and would like to show you a way of how you can present yourself aesthetically in a different form of clothing without feeling uncomfortable with certain elements," said Sarah VossAlready in April.
In May, Elisabeth Seitz added to the SWR that she used to think that it was normal to do gymnastics in skin -tight and scarce outfit.In particular, the area between the legs is covered by only a few centimeters of fabric."If only minimally slips something, everyone sees more than they should see," she said at the time.
"And if you only think about a millisecond during the exercise, it can influence the performance," she recently added to the "Bild" newspaper.
Bikini pants in beach handball in the regulations
The German women do not commit a punishment or a violation of a rule with the outfits.Compared to the beach handball, where the bikini pants are prescribed according to the rules of the International Handball Association, the outfits of gymnastics have been officially allowed since 2009.
Just a few weeks ago, the Norwegian national beach handball team refused to wear the prescribed bikini pants at the European Championship.Instead, they wore the same long shorts as the men and were given a penalty of 150 euros per player.
The association stood behind its players and numerous sports stars and celebrities also criticized the sexist sports clothing.
Beach volleyball changed his rules in 2012
Even with beach volleyball, the players in Tokyo are usually with a bikini in the sand.However, this has not been a regulation since 2012.Women can play in shorts and also shirts with long sleeves.In bad weather, long trousers are also allowed.
The German duo Karla Borger and Julia Sude even refused to take part in a tournament in Qatar in February, in which shirts and knee -length trousers were laid down in the regulations.
"It's not about a little harm or not.It's about that we cannot do our work in our work clothes, "said Sude."I do not understand that."Beach volleyball is" damn exhausting, "said Borger."We adapt in every country where we can.We are also ready for that.But you are in the heat in the heat, everything is wet."
Gymnasts receive support from all sides
The gymnasts' decision to wear a unitard again was relatively spontaneous and at short notice."We sat down and said, okay, we want to have a big competition, we want to feel great and show everyone that we look great," says Sarah Voss.
Gymnastar Simone Biles supports the decision of German women."I stand by your decision that you are wearing what you want and what you feel like".However, it will continue to wear the so -called "Leotards".It makes her more flexible and, according to the American.
Turn-Weltstar Simone Biles im Leotard.Bild: ap / Ashley LandisIt is not yet emerging that the Unitard is now used by all gymnasts and also after the Olympic Games.Sales chief Matt Gowan from the leading US jersey manufacturer GK Elite told the AP news agency that there were only a few inquiries.At the team finals on Tuesday and all-around singles, the remaining teams did in the Leotard.That will probably be no different with the device finals on Sunday.
"Es kommt darauf an, wie wir uns fühlen und was wir wollen. Wir entscheiden am Wettkampftag, was wir anziehen."Turnerin Elisabeth SeitzAndreas Toba, German champion in 2019 at the rings, also supports the quartet."I think that they convey a message that makes sport simply more attractive.Finally, it's about we do gymnastics and feel comfortable."
And Seitz said: "We want to show that the gymnastics is beautiful and that it is not about what you are wearing.The most important thing is that the gymnast feels comfortable, "the Stuttgart native describes the core of her initiative" It's My Choice ", which is supposed to take up speed after the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
While the team competition for the German quartet ended early, Elisabeth Seitz and Kim Bui continue on Thursdayim all-around final finals.What they wear then is still open.But one thing is certain: "It is a decision from day to day.It depends on how we feel and what we want.We decide what we are wearing on the competition day, "said Seitz.
(with material from dpa/sid)
