Olympic broadcasters curb sexual images of female athletes

P. SmithToday 07:56 am JST

Far too many duds are displaying their shallowness on this thread.

To be fair, that does seem the target demographic of this website.

Are you referring to the post immediately above mine? No? Why did you choose now to post that here then?

And if you think it is indecent to watch women's beach volleyball, well, ok,,,you can focus on the shots of the Rainbow Bridge instead.

Anyway, I love the camera guy (or gal, as this is 2021) handling the women's beach volleyball.

Plenty of women watch the Olympics to see ikemen with sexy bodies.

Actually plenty of women like watching sexy women too.

As a man, do I like looking at really physically fit women in skimpy uniforms? YES. Do I think it's an issue if they wear shorts? NO. They should be able to wear whatever functional clothing is comfortable for them, but the choice should be theirs. It really is NOT an issue if women don't want to compete in their skimpies......I don't want men to do so either! I have awkward memories of swimming class and wearing speedos......Good on the girls for forcing this, the ruling bodies need to get their head out of their ass. The key question should be, is it functional? Is it comfortable for the athletes to wear?....that should really be it.

During the Rio Olympics, Cosmopolitan magazine ran an article titled “Best Olympic Bulges” with photos of male athletes in speedos, spats, etc.

I can top that. Brits and athletics fans of a certain age will remember something called “Linford’s lunchbox”.

During the Rio Olympics, Cosmopolitan magazine ran an article titled “Best Olympic Bulges” with photos of male athletes in speedos, spats, etc.

Pole vaulter Hagita became an Internet sensation when he knocked down the bar with his penis. News channels and internet GIF memes played it repeatedly and in slow-motion close-ups.

These were laughed off, but imagine the outrage if the genders were reversed.

If a female vaulter knocked down the bar with her breasts, or if Sports Illustrated ran an article focusing on female Olympian camel-toes.

Olympic broadcasters curb sexual images of female athletes

Definitely not happening with beach volleyball; especially with the camera views when they are serving.

Go Swiss! Go Japan! Who cares!?

Women's beach volleyball on now. Japan vs. Switzerland.

NO complaints from me about their outfits.

The women and the men should have the same uniforms. We have decided that their can be no differences between the sexes or it’s misogynistic, hyper-sexualizing, or an outrage. There has to be uniformity in uniform designs to ensure equal conditions for competition. Choice really isn’t an option or one competitor could achieve an advantage. The new Victorian attitude goes against the well reported encouragement of sexuality by distributing thousands of condoms. Put the male and female contestants to in long shorts and T-shirts.

The original Olympic competitors were naked to show that they were not female, as only men were allowed to take part. Of course, things have changed, women can now compete and men can compete as women.

Strangerland

What relevance does that have to ones who don't want to play in bikini bottoms and aren't allowed?

They've had a choice to wear shorts since 2012.

Strangerland

why the women in this article should be forced to wear bikinis.

They've had a choice to wear shorts since 2012.

Let's see, bold, italics and quotations. No crayon though.

StrangerlandToday  06:35 am JST

And no one's telling them to not wear bikinis.

So, good job. You found something that is not news, that has no relevance to why the women in this article should be forced to wear bikinis.

Sorry for not trying to prove or disprove something you would either agree with or vehemently disagree with. I know how much you want to try and control the narrative and it is frustrating when it is not possible to do so.

Just pointing out simple facts.

Like the fact that no male poster here truly wants female gymnasts, figure skaters, beach volleyball players or whatever to wear something they are not currently required to wear.

Come on guys. You're not all that woke.

US women's beach volleyball team doesn't seem to have a problem wearing bikinis.

Yet the men wear shorts...are men not affected by sand in the same way?

Advice includes “do not focus unnecessarily on looks, clothing or intimate body parts” and reframing or deleting a “wardrobe malfunction ... to respect the integrity of the athlete.”

Precisely. No one wants to see a camel toe.

I can appreciate the grace and litheness of these volleyball athletes, it's a shame that so much petty attention is paid to their attire.

Better than watching those lumps of lard humping each other around a ring with their pebble-dashed butts hanging out of a lashed-up jockstrap, yet someone will claim that there's even beauty in these national treasures here.... but sadly not me.

US women's beach volleyball team doesn't seem to have a problem wearing bikinis.

And no one's telling them to not wear bikinis.

So, good job. You found something that is not news, that has no relevance to why the women in this article should be forced to wear bikinis.

US women's beach volleyball team doesn't seem to have a problem wearing bikinis.

“For us, this is the most comfortable,” Klineman said after handily defeating the Spanish team on Tuesday morning. Bikinis are better about not building up sand when athletes dive for the ball. Plus, maybe you’ve heard, it’s been oppressively hot and humid in Tokyo this week.

I explain that they can wear shorts then give you an article with two women who play beach volleyball on why they prefer to play in bikini bottoms and tops.

Good for them. What relevance does that have to ones who don't want to play in bikini bottoms and aren't allowed?

No one is telling the women from your link to not wear the clothes they prefer. People are telling the women from this story that they are not allowed to wear the clothes they prefer.

So how does your article have any relevance?

The olympics is all about sex and banned at my house.

Time to switch to an official non-gendered uniform for all sports. The Olympic duffle coat!

Or they could just blur all the athletes. They blur everything else on TV nowadays in the name of 'privacy'. We could just watch balls and shuttlecocks zipping from blur to blur.

StrangerlandToday  03:33 pm JST

I actually asked:

guessed.

But you didn't want to answer those questions. Hmm.... telling.

Whenever I dive, other divers I see are wearing a skintight wetsuit.

When does an admiring glance, become a ogle.

Are we seriously suggesting as human beings, this occurs when we start frothing at the mouth, throwing a washing line of dribble.

Have we lost our very basic aspects of human nature to sometimes stubble into the realms of what could be described as an erotic fantasy?

That my brothers take.

I have elaborated.

Good try Bruv, take a cold shower.

The Olympic TV cameras are just avoiding the male or female gaze

Flute,

@iradickle

I have stated (more than once) that there has been a choice since 2012.

And ?

I am not the one trying to justify no choice for women (in the sports concerned) or different exigence in term of length, fitness, ... for women than for men.

I'll say it once again for the people in the nosebleeds seats.

THEY HAVE A CHOICE!

I don't know about amateur leagues, but for players who want to play for money, the fact is they're going to have to wear bikinis. Otherwise, they simply won't sell tickets.

Is the debate about what we as individual choose to wear. I think not.

Whether we are on a beach volleyball court or in the office, or even having a sunbathe in our back garden, all have a number of social etiquette rules that apply to all and sundry.

The debate widens considerably when gender politics is applied into the mix, especially when aesthetics comes into contact with the power of broadcast and social media.

It is a huge boost to these ladies ability on/off the court to leverage sponsorship.

I think a point is being missed, who is the weaker of the species the element that denote the difference between strong and weak.....

Today USA surfer Ms Moore did not wear shorts like most surfer but prefer to go with the uncomfortable look. During her event most of the her time was spent duck diving oncoming waves. I can tell you now that she receive doulble the viewing time then the winner who wore shorts. There is only one true reason behind this ! excuse the pun. And that is not equality.

@iradickle

I have stated (more than once) that there has been a choice since 2012.

And ?

I am not the one trying to justify no choice for women (in the sports concerned) or different exigence in term of length, fitness, ... for women than for men.

Give one GOOD reason why the women shouldn't have a choice of shorts and sports top?

I am waiting.

Not to sound like a jerk, but I'm pretty sure that the women knew that the rule was for bikini bottoms, again beach - bikini bottoms isn't that absurd. If they were against that, they had a few years to make their concerns known to the IOC. If it was such the abomination that people who are not playing in the event have made it out to be they could have gotten the rule changed. Also, it wasn't that nice for one team to cover themselves up and NOT let any other female athletes know they were "starting a movement"

Athletes should be free to choose what to wear in the limit of fair competition be it, for example, wearing bikini or tank top and short or full body suit no matter the category. And it being an individual choice even among team.

Luckily the female athletes here have good intentioned white knights whose only aim is to ‘protect’ them.

No problem, the possibilities to picture any such are very much limited though. On the other side, a new potential fan base in Saudi-Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan or Pakistan etc. maybe the goal, although probably not filling the cash accounts as used to. lol

No Close fitting rule for the men and wow men can be only 10cm above the knee cap but women 26 cm.

Now again, logic for that difference?

Men tend to have something in the crotch region that can hang down the extra 10-16cm. Women don't have that unless they are representing New Zealand.

Athletes are sexually attractive and thats just a biological and human thing which is maybe hard for some here to understand and that combined with the fake facade and obsession with how one comes across and what others think has lead to this stupidity and not surprised by the support of the PC brigade and white knights

Flute,

I have stated (more than once) that there has been a choice since 2012.

Right: Let the women tell the Olympic men what they want to wear and Will wear. That should solve a lot of problem.

@iradickle

From the article you quoted :

Would shorts be worse than a bikini bottom?

It’s totally a personal choice. It wasn’t comfortable for me. Way too sweaty and too much sand. But, in certain situations leggings could be a good option — just not in the heat. There are also certain times of the month that wearing a bikini isn’t always such a comfortable option, especially when you’re on TV. So it’s important to have the freedom to choose what works best for you. Players should be able to wear what they want and what makes them perform the best — and for me it was a bikini.

As you can notice, the one woman : Jennifer Kessy (2012 London beach volleyball silver medalist ; former coach of Team USA's April Ross and Alix Klineman) answering the questions of the journalist is for free choice.

You sound like the guys I once met that claim they watch lingerie football for the sport.

So, what do you think of the women who play lingerie football?

strangerland,

Wait, are you serious?

But some men think there is some sort of moral justification in forcing these women to be nearly naked.

I explain that they can wear shorts then give you an article with two women who play beach volleyball on why they prefer to play in bikini bottoms and tops.

You

So? What is the relevance?

Just.... Wow.

@iradickle

Nice try!

You sound like the guys I once met that claim they watch lingerie football for the sport.

Didn't believe them either.

Here is an article from two women who actually play the sport. They also give their reasons for not wearing shorts.

So? What is the relevance? No one is telling the women in your article to not wear bikinis or to wear shorts. No one in this thread is suggesting the women not be allowed to wear bikinis, or to be forced to wear shorts.

https://www.today.com/news/why-do-women-s-beach-volleyball-players-wear-bikinis-today-t226134

Here is an article from two women who actually play the sport. They also give their reasons for not wearing shorts.

*The shorts must “be a close fit and the design is recommended to feature total length of 26-28cm (from waistband) and *26cm above the knee.

Also, selective reading is quite selective. Must and recommended are quite different.

This is sure to become the most commented thread on JT.

@iradickle

They have had a choice to wear shorts since 2012!!

Have you read the rules? Obviously no.

Let me help

*The shorts must “be a close fit and the design is recommended to feature total length of 26-28cm (from waistband) and *26cm above the knee, 

Now the men.

*Male beach volleyballers are required to wear a tank top and shorts, with FIVB rules stating: “For all athletes the bottom of the shorts must be a minimum of *10 cm above the top of the knee cap.”

No Close fitting rule for the men and wow men can be only 10cm above the knee cap but women 26 cm.

Now again, logic for that difference?

And that image in the article isn't sexually provocative? That's volleyball and half the reason people even bother watching it.

Speaking only on beach volleyball, I have never seen a female playing volleyball on an actual beach and not wearing a bikini or one piece.

Here now you have.

https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/sports/2021/06/27/kenya-womens-beach-volleyball-team-qualify-for-tokyo-olympics/amp/

https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/platform/amp/2021/5/7/22423899/beach-volleyball-ready-to-rumble-in-ncaa-championship

https://cesl.arizona.edu/event/ua-womens-beach-volleyball

https://pepperdinewaves.com/galleries/womens-beach-volleyball/beach-volleyball-vs-cal-poly/1198

Your welcome.

It's amazing how many guys in here think that women should be required to be practically naked in order to participate in the sport. These women want to win. They are the most elite of the elite in their sport. And even at that, they still want to cover up somewhat.

https://usagym.org/docs/Rhythmic/Rules/section11.pdf

Good god, here are the official regulations for gymnastics. Full length bodysuits are NOT against Olympic rules.

baggy bikini bottoms would suck playing in the sand.

Oh but the men's shirt are just fine?

Ok the let the women chose similar shorts as the men.

Incredible the excuses you guys come up with.

They have had a choice to wear shorts since 2012!!

Keep guessing.

I actually asked:

your point is that because you've never seen someone doing it another way, these women shouldn't be allowed to? Or it that's not your point, what exactly ist the relevance of this anecdote?

But you didn't want to answer those questions. Hmm.... telling.

StrangerlandToday  03:21 pm JST

Soooo... your point is that because you've never seen someone doing it another way, these women shouldn't be allowed to? Or it that's not your point, what exactly ist the relevance of this anecdote?

Keep guessing.

Speaking only on beach volleyball, I have never seen a female playing volleyball on an actual beach and not wearing a bikini or one piece.

Soooo... your point is that because you've never seen someone doing it another way, these women shouldn't be allowed to? Or it that's not your point, what exactly ist the relevance of this anecdote?

Japanese broadcasters could always pixelate sertain areas of peoples bodies like they do in adult entertainment videos.

The IOC is not a Japanese broadcaster!

“What we can do is to make sure that our coverage does not highlight or feature in any particular way what people are wearing,” Exarchos said.

Sexualizing female athletes is a problem and it's high time they sports bodies start taking action!!!

Speaking only on beach volleyball, I have never seen a female playing volleyball on an actual beach and not wearing a bikini or one piece.

@Strangerland

I rarely agree with you but this time you are spot on.

baggy bikini bottoms would suck playing in the sand.

Oh but the men's shirt are just fine?

Ok the let the women chose similar shorts as the men.

Incredible the excuses you guys come up with.

Of all the comments here only 2 are from women and they support the right to choose.

All the comments against have been men giving any crazy excuse they can come up with and ever of the wall exaggeration they can find.

I mean seriously

The Olympics started in Greece!, back then the type of clothing was not optional. 

Using ancient Greece.

Women weren't even permitted on the location of the games and if they did the penalty was death.

But someone thought this was a good point to use.

I honestly lost respect for some here other well I expected as much.

Antiquesaving,

Let me help close fit, must closely fit , be a close fit and be a close fit .

baggy bikini bottoms would suck playing in the sand.

It's amazing how many guys in here think that women should be required to be practically naked in order to participate in the sport.

These women want to win. They are the most elite of the elite in their sport. And even at that, they still want to cover up somewhat.

But some men think there is some sort of moral justification in forcing these women to be nearly naked.

@Yohan

And others perhaps you should look up the uniform rules.

Previously there were 4 options for the women but now the IOC and other governing bodies insist only on the bikini.

This part is very telling.

Male beach volleyballers are required to wear a tank top and shorts, with FIVB rules stating: “For all athletes the bottom of the shorts must be a minimum of 10 cm above the top of the knee cap.”

Short and tank top loose fitting is fine.

Now for the women

Women’s briefs “should be in accordance with the enclosed diagram, be a close fit and be cut on an upward angle towards the top of the leg”.

The one piece “must closely fit and the design must be with open back and

upper chest, respecting the space for the required inscriptions to be made”.

The knee-length pants must “be a close fit and the design is recommended to feature total length of 47 cm (from waistband) and 3 cm above the knee, and a waistband of 6-7 cm wide”.

The shorts must “be a close fit and the design is recommended to feature total length of 26-28cm (from waistband) and 26cm above the knee, and a waistband of 6-7 cm wide”.

These were the previous 4 choices

Notice anything different from the men?

Let me help close fit, must closely fit , be a close fit and be a close fit .

So let me guess this it to help them play better, right?

If you can't see a pattern here then it is because you don't want to.

Japanese broadcasters could always pixelate sertain areas of peoples bodies like they do in adult entertainment videos.

.Again a little research (or better journalism) and people would know this has been going on long before this Olympics and most in the sport knew long in advance this team was going to do this.

It was no surprise.

I was referring to the gymnastics team. Beach handball is not in the Olympics.

As for beach volleyball, they've had the choice since 2012.

Give one GOOD reason why the women shouldn't have a choice of shorts and sports top?

I am waiting.

Not to sound like a jerk, but I'm pretty sure that the women knew that the rule was for bikini bottoms, again beach - bikini bottoms isn't that absurd. If they were against that, they had a few years to make their concerns known to the IOC.

Yes, the IOC is SO known for listening. Not.

If it was such the abomination that people who are not playing in the event have made it out to be they could have gotten the rule changed. Also, it wasn't that nice for one team to cover themselves up and NOT let any other female athletes know they were "starting a movement"

Not sure what your points here are, but other athletes are raising other issues as they come up. For example the weather:

Djokovic encountered little resistance from Bolivia's Hugo Dellien in a 6-2, 6-2 first-round win, but like many others found the playing conditions particularly demanding.

Medvedev, a 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) winner over Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik, suggested putting back matches until the evening, having started his opening round shortly after midday in blazing sunshine.

The athletes are media savvy and know that the best way to bring about change is use the media exposure to draw attention to an issue. The IOC decreed the Olympics had to be held at probably the worst time of the year in Tokyo in order to maximise US audience numbers. Players are simply playing the same game, and good for them.

AntiquesavingToday 01:48 pm JST

I asked but got only negative votes not one had the courage to answer so I will ask again.

Give one GOOD reason why the women shouldn't have a choice of shorts and sports top?

In sports - at least during international competition - you cannot wear what you want. There are rules about outfit, socks, shoes, color and so on.

There is no good or bad reason for that, it's about one rule for all and no exception. If the rule says 'bikini' the players have to show up in bikini, if the rule says 'shorts, sport tops' the players have to show up in shorts and sport tops.

To change the outfit of players, you need to address the committee in question to consider to change these rules.

The players do not have a choice. They have to follow these rules or will be suspended.

Also, it wasn't that nice for one team to cover themselves up and NOT let any other female athletes know they were "starting a movement"

Again a little research (or better journalism) and people would know this has been going on long before this Olympics and most in the sport knew long in advance this team was going to do this.

It was no surprise.

https://amp.theguardian.com/music/2021/jul/26/pink-offers-to-pay-fines-for-norwegian-womens-beach-handball-team-sexist

European Beach Handball Championships. Where earlier this month.

@iradickle

I asked a good reason.

Under your reasoning then we could say why did ice hockey introduce helmets, presumably those playing or starting to play new the rules.

Under your reasoning the Athletes would should still be wearing the same style of sports clothing they wore when each event was added to the Olympics.

Which would really result in people being covered up.

Give one GOOD reason why the women shouldn't have a choice of shorts and sports top?

I am waiting.

Not to sound like a jerk, but I'm pretty sure that the women knew that the rule was for bikini bottoms, again beach - bikini bottoms isn't that absurd. If they were against that, they had a few years to make their concerns known to the IOC. If it was such the abomination that people who are not playing in the event have made it out to be they could have gotten the rule changed. Also, it wasn't that nice for one team to cover themselves up and NOT let any other female athletes know they were "starting a movement"

I wish people would do some checking before commenting.

Maybe these women would like to go back to Victorian times beach attire.

People who claim otherwise are stuck in the 1950s.

Just put everyone in a burquini, everone.

just a few of the comments made here without knowing anything.

These women are not asking for everyone to dress as they would like to but only to be given a choice.

These are also part of same group of players from multiple countries that protested in February the requirement to "cover up" when playing in Qatar during the oly6 qualifiers.

So they are not asking for everyone to cover up, all they are asking is to have a few choices.

And again can someone give a logical reason why they shouldn't be given choices?

I asked but got only negative votes not one had the courage to answer so I will ask again.

Give one GOOD reason why the women shouldn't have a choice of shorts and sports top?

I am waiting.

Once they start to cover up beautiful sexy figure skaters

The woke police will cancel the word "figure" soon enough, then nobody will participate and the sport will be finished.

Why? SEX sells. Just compare the two pictures.

It most important both men and women, have a equal crack of the whip in education, in

being able to purse there ambitions.

That, about having a huff puff over the size and cut of a bikini on a beach volleyball court.

Of course, I would have liked to been closer to the front of the queue when nature was handing out aesthetics.

However I am not complaining, and I certainly won't blow raspberries at those that display such physical attributes. And is some instances want to flaunt.

Or even the media for leveraging that fact. After all beauty is only skin deep. Whatever the mirror suggests

Women are women because they attract males by definition of our species.

Nothing will ever change that.

What can change is the greed of commercial publicity advisors.

If you go public, photos will be taken.

As for beach volley, it was created for that purpose, since I remind volley is played exact same way but it is just indoor. Just 2 players.

By the way, why not beach tennis, beach golf, beach football, beach gymnastics, beach running, etc.

Brazil has set a trend for the uniforms and trends can (should) be reversed.

As noted only by a few commenters, Japan is the land of oversexualisation, so it is quite hypocritical from that country to pretend it is doing something for women's rights.

Modern feminism gone mad. Maybe these women would like to go back to Victorian times beach attire.

No, they're just looking for something less revealing than what they're currently required to wear.

Very binary thinking to go to the opposite extreme, just because they don't like one extreme.

The Olympics started in Greece!, back then the type of clothing was not optional. 

Back then there were no female athletes.

The type of clothing was - none. Nekkid.

Just put everyone in a burquini, everone.

Because it’s either the skimpiest of skimpy bikinis with half-naked buttocks, or it’s a full coverup?

Than is nature, physical attraction, to admire all aspects of ones desirability, the magnetism of admiration and allure of the opposite sex.

Combine athleticism and beauty, and bingo, in a 21st century media world, that a sure fire money earner.

Beach volleyball, beach handball....... in bikini bottoms!? the two things have nothing to do with each other. Long spandex pants and rash guards for all! In 34 degree plus humid weather.

Do you really believe that "incels" are counting down the days for the next Olympics so they can FINALLY see a woman in a "revealing" outfit?

Either way, If the people actually competing have a problem with the attire they should be able to change it.

“Sport appeal, not sex appeal” is one mantra Olympic officials push in an effort to reach gender equity on the field of play and on screen.

Tell that to "oiled up Toga guy"

Let's just destroy everything it means to be human. Meanwhile, my wife just bought the most beautiful t-back I have ever seen........

The Aphrodite affect, underlines the need when considering broadcast revenue. That commercial principal must figure front center for the IOC.

It is foolish to believe otherwise.

Let me obviate, remove any doubt.

If two beach volleyball competitions were broadcast side by said, men's/women's which of the two would receive the most attention?

Game over?

August 8 can't come soon enough.

Modern feminism gone mad. Maybe these women would like to go back to Victorian times beach attire.

OUTRAGE!!!

Some of the women are not ok being sex objects. This is good.

It’s kind of difficult to keep up with the standards of what is respectful to female athletes when they themselves choose to pose nude in sports magazines to show how fit, muscular and beautiful they are. Women have improved their respective sports performances tremendously in recent years and many have chosen to legitimize the public focus on their bodies. Some call their exposure brave and empowering. Others exploitive. Everyone has an agenda.

The whole thing seems tied up into the confusion over societies inability to decide on what is representative of women athletes. But let’s not pretend that men’s bodies aren’t also sexualized. Everyone watching them compete know how well endowed men’s swimmers, wrestlers and track athletes are. Men don’t seem all that concerned about it and you won’t hear a peep of complaint from female or gay viewers. They happily accept that exploitation.

I think this article is born from the activists mindset and not from the concerns of most female athletes- with a few notable exceptions. Female participation in high level athletics is normal in most nations with perhaps the exception of some in the Middle East. Admiration for the human form goes back thousands of years. The Olympic Broadcasting Services bow to the latest politically correct stance isn’t going to change that now or ever.

I can imagine some women and even men may be uncomfortable in the 'mandatory' uniform. Why not give 2 or 3 approved styles and let them choose one of those using their country's color/design scheme.

I absolutely would not be in favor of letting them wear 'whatever they want'.

There is nothing overtly sexual whatsoever about any of the olympic uniforms, women or men. People who claim otherwise are stuck in the 1950s.

On any beach in pretty much any nation you will find the average person dressed in far, far skimpier outfits than these.

Much ado about nothing, except in the eyes of prudes (probably religious, too).

Not a prude nor religious (atheist).

But it is a bit of a joke if you Think these must be the only choice.

Why, give a good reason why normal beach shorts and top aren't a choice!

Just put everyone in a burquini, everone. Then no issues. While were at it, just eliminate telivising it, then no one is offended. No TV, no fans, no offense.

The sport outfit should primarily help athletes enhance their performance. Especially it's the case for amateur sports. In this regard I don't get beach volleyball plays in swim suit. It may be tradition but also exploitation while I don't see the outfit contribute to better performance outcomes.

Sexual objectification is also an issue for male athletes.

This is because people's mind is just getting dirtier and dirtier. Don't think too much!!! .

I thought sexuality was the ONLY reason to have Beach Volleyball in Olympics... I do not see any other reason to having it!

The minds boggles, Attilathehungry

One of the drawbacks of pursuing a agenda/debate into the many facets associated with gender politics, it all ends up become a storm in a "banana hammock".

When the media want to present beach volley ball in any context, the accompanying photo will nines out of ten be the women's game.

I have no problem with that, is it not perfectly obvious the reason commercially why.

Does that have anything to do with athletic prowess? Some straight forward honestly is needed here.

Olympic broadcasters curb sexual images of female athletes, for goodness sake no, not beyond the requirement of sponsors need to promote there products and sales.

There is nothing overtly sexual whatsoever about any of the olympic uniforms, women or men. People who claim otherwise are stuck in the 1950s.

On any beach in pretty much any nation you will find the average person dressed in far, far skimpier outfits than these.

Much ado about nothing, except in the eyes of prudes (probably religious, too).

itsonlyrocknroll: "Budgie smuggler"?!? I'm shocked.

EVERYONE knows the proper term is "banana hammock". Consider yourself educated.

In sports you can't just chose what to wear in competition. There are rules about outfits, socks length, sometimes even color!

However some sports realy need revision. At the beach I go the boys and girls playing beach volley are never in bikini but wear shorts, and UV long sleeved shirts, etc., etc.

The Men's beach volley ball official uniform, skin tight speedo budgie smugglers? Not on your chinny chin chin,

Get outta here.!! Pull the other one, it sings the hammiest rendition of Imagine.

The Olympics started in Greece!, back then the type of clothing was not optional. They thought the body's athletic physical form was in itself part of the sport and beautiful to behold! So dumb trying to modify and hide their physical appearance!

Yes and some Greek cities practice Infanticide at the time on physically "Defective" children.

Are we going to adopt that also?

Ah history nice when one picks and chooses the parts they like and omit the part one doesn't.

I cannot get over some of the comments.

Let them wear what the wants, give them a choice the present bikini, short and sports top, Short and t-shirt, a one piece swimsuit, heck even a sweat suit if they feel they are comfortable and can perform as well.

I never watch the show but if I remember well from YouTube clips the show Baywatch the women wore one piece swimsuits and everyone seemed to find those quite attractive.

So what it the big deal, why must it be a bikini?

Honestly as a man in my 50s the idea of wearing a Speedo would terrify me ( probably more terrifying to those seeing me in one) but even as a young man I wouldn't wear one as it just isn't something I would be comfortable in.

Nothing to do with sexuality of prudish but just not comfortable and I can imagine many women feel the same about a bikini.

If you want so badly to see a woman in a bikini there are far better Places to do it.

If you are interested in the sport then whatever these women chose should be fine with you.

The Olympics started in Greece!, back then the type of clothing was not optional. They thought the body's athletic physical form was in itself part of the sport and beautiful to behold! So dumb trying to modify and hide their physical appearance!

Exactly, but it seems now, the appreciation of the woman’s physical form woke sin now.

Yak Yak

The human race is a very sexy race, cannot stop it.

Humans are not a race, they are a specie.

If a person chooses to compete in a sport that is played in public, especially an international competition like this, then photos will be taken. Personally, I dont find anything especially sexual or tittilating about any of the sports gear worn at the Olympics. It all seems to be designed with performance in mind.

Or just watch the Winter Games. Little chance of seeing too much skin there (figure skating excepted...).

And make no mistake, women can be pretty 'raw' when discussing male athletes as well! This is a two-way street people.

This is a non issue. In every sport there are going to be parts of the body shown that are going to arouse and embarrass audiences and athletes. The production crews are just going to have find a balance of what is acceptable and what isn’t knowing the current standard can and will be shifted over time.

As far as what athletes can and can’t wear, choices are best.

I say all competitors should perform stark bollock naked just like they did in the days of ancient Greece / Rome. no one complained back then.

I'm sure that, on occasion, a wrestler or two may have complained.

They thought the body's athletic physical form was in itself part of the sport and beautiful to behold! So dumb trying to modify and hide their physical appearance!

Nudists olympics are limited to porn sites, they aren’t real events!!!

Nice pic, though!

Michael Machida

The Olympics depicts the most in shape people on the face of this planet we call Earth and the IOC deems it fit not to look at them in manner and fashion that we choose?

Correct. It should be in the manner that the athletes choose.

The Olympics started in Greece!, back then the type of clothing was not optional. They thought the body's athletic physical form was in itself part of the sport and beautiful to behold! So dumb trying to modify and hide their physical appearance!

This is ridiculous. In reality, this is conservatism and puritanism coming back to our societies. all hidden behind "gender equity" and political agendas.

Why should they not be able to wear a burqa if that were what THEY chose?

What an absurd comment, it's amazing. Well then go to many islamist countries and ask women there if they can choose or not to wear a burqa. Tell them about authoritarianism for wearing a bikini in a beach volley ball competition and see what feedback you get.

More space for product placements!

Even some men are being sexualized. Look at this runner from Norway.

https://9gag.com/gag/aAbLGng

You cannot stop the sexualization in the Olympics. In fact, I've just rubbed one out for President Bach. Your move, IOC.

The human race is a very sexy race, cannot stop it.

Look, just up the sexual images of men so that everything is equal.

These are the types who are against women having any control over their bodies. 

These are also the types who take perverted pictures of women and load them to porn sites.

A woman having a say over her rights is a threat to these types.

I don’t know where you’re from, but you should look up Viz magazine’s character Millie Tant. You’re like her in male form.

https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1600/1*Z2jUBMfEPPOOrZh5fedIJg.png

That is what beach volley players are suppose to wear depending of the category they are playing in. Allowing women to wear the same clothes as men &reverse does not seems a problem.

Same for every sport. As pointed above as long it does not give an unfair advantage, any clothing should be fine.

And that will limit :

“wardrobe malfunction ... to respect the integrity of the athlete."

Totally sexist comment.

EHHH? go figure.

From a woke culture to a broke culture....

“Sport appeal, not sex appeal”

Ironic, trying to make this statement in Japan.

They obviously don’t pay attention to how the Japanese media portrays women in the various media’s around here.

Who cares enjoy the pleasure the bikini brings to the eyes and get over with this political correctness

Hmm...so should i wear salaryman suit to play beach ball? Someone should create a naked sport. Haven't we fought for our rights and freedom? Where did it vanish?

Platform diving, arm stands. Gender doesn't matter.

I can't think of any sport where men wear less. The suits allow full range of motion, which is very important to winning. At lower levels of the sport, some men will wear knee-length suites, but they aren't usually competitive with the top athletes. Too constricting.

Lets break every dogma at this olympics and see how it pans out. I like it.

""The Olympic goals go beyond ending sexualized images, Exarchos said""

Yes indeed, an d I hope that all the creeps that are photographing the games will follow this rule. So many times these images were called out and nothing was done.

The time has come to stop abusing our women and move on to the next level of being CIVILIZED.

Maybe the people who find a fit female body so threatening / scary could petition the IOC to have all female athletes compete in a burqa.

You realize that it's the competitors who are complaining right, and that they're forced to wear skimpy clothes? Why should they not be able to wear a burqa if that were what THEY chose?

Or do you prefer authoritarian situations where people are not allowed to choose the manner of their dress?

As an artist myself, I agree with Zichi. The human body is beautiful when it is in shape. Just like animals in the wild. Animals in the wild that are out of shape get eaten.

These human athletes are amazing specimens.

Here is a question though. What about those with Hand and Feet fetishes? Will booties and gloves be required soon as well?

JCRToday  07:37 am JST

Ok Japan, grow up, not like they're dancing to stripmusic. Sheesh..

Why Japan? The Olympic Broadcasting Servicdes is owned by the IOC.

"“You will not see in our coverage some things that we have been seeing in the past, with details and close-up on parts of the body,” Olympic Broadcasting Services chief executive Yiannis Exarchos said Monday."

Maybe the people who find a fit female body so threatening / scary could petition the IOC to have all female athletes compete in a burqa.

Convince the IOC that there’s money in it and they’ll do it.

It always has amazed me how women will wear the skimpiest swimwear and sportswear, but will scream and run if you see them in their bra and panties.

Unfortunately, society is getting very creepy and this kind of editing is necessary. There has already been a case of a creep being arrested in Japan for posting explicit images of sportswomen on a porn site.

The Olympics depicts the most in shape people on the face of this planet we call Earth and the IOC deems it fit not to look at them in manner and fashion that we choose? Give me a break.

What is ironic is that right wing idiots who think divulging your vaccination status is invading your privacy are totally fine with someone taking invasive pictures of you!!!

https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/pink-norwegian-volleyball-team-fine-b1890340.html

The American pop singer Pink has offered to pay the fine. Good for her and the Norwegian ladies for standing up to the EHF.

True gender equality starts with the nipple!

Boooooo!

I like being able to see and admire the athletes beautiful bodies. It's one of the allures of the Olympics for me for both the men and the women, in addition to high performances. Close ups and shots of the athletes bodies are fine as long as it's not pervy and in bad taste. You can tell when it's going too far.

If certain athletes want to cover up a little more because they don't want to expose so much skin, then give them options to. Many of the athletes have fantastic bodies and they're proud of them. This to me is almost like reverse-body shaming by hiding and not showing them.

This is a difficult problem and will only be resolved with careful consideration.

“let players wear whatever they wish” - Agree with @maxjapank 7:16am:

“As long as the clothing and material doesn't give an unfair advantage over the sport” -

Firstly, regardless of how much skill may be involved, beach volleyball was designed from the ground up to attract voyeurs.

Secondly, where are the boundaries? Suppose there's some guy out there who gets turned on by women grappling on the floor in wrestling and judo. Are they going to stop showing those?

Thirdly, has anyone asked the athletes? "Hey, we know you've worked your entire life to get this physique, but we don't feel comfortable showing it. Can you, like, wear this Victorian-era dress which goes down to your ankles? Yeah, like that. Thanks!"

Ok Japan, grow up, not like they're dancing to stripmusic. Sheesh..

To achieve the goal of the ultimate gender equality, why not compete in the nude, as the ancient Greeks did?

“Many of the channels look at female athletes (as) girls or wives or mothers and not really as pure athletes,” she said. “Most of it also really gives attention to the looks saying ... they are beautiful or sexy.”

As long as you have men and women on this planet, that will never change. These incompetent people will never change the biological human, male to female physical and sexual primal attraction, at least not as long as there are the two sexes or until the end of time.

Really, that's a very Cis-Heternormative take on the world.

Dont worry , nobody wants to take pictures of keyboard warriors in their underwear.

Still a good idea to put on pants!!!

Hey, there is nothing wrong with men enjoying females playing volleyball in attractive clothing. We didn't came into this world to be ashame of our bodies anyway and there is a reason why we are given eyes.

But if the female athletes dislike wearing such things, i will respect their choice of wearing other suitable clothing that they are more comfortable in.

It’s all so crazy, it’s all a joke, good luck to the games. Lol

Why not of male athletes as well?

They shout about gender equality but then create rules only applied to women. It's farcical to anyone with a shred of awareness.

Why not of male athletes as well?

Armchair wars in underwear isn’t an Olympic sport yet.

Better put on pants!!!!

As long as the clothing and material doesn't give an unfair advantage over the sport, let players wear whatever they wish.

Why not of male athletes as well?

Because it’s a non-issue. That’s why literally no one is complaining about iIt. Well except maybe you, on no ones behalf.