I was at a sporting event recently which was broadcast on television. The announcer, a man, commented on both men’s and women’s games. He misstepped during a women’s match, commenting “she’s pretty tiny” of one of the athletes.
Maybe he didn’t mean to sound patronizing. Maybe he didn’t mean to belittle this athlete for her size. Maybe he didn’t think about what he was saying.
But he did say it. And comments like that need to stop.
When sports commentators talk about male athletes, they refer to their great height, their fantastic strength, their significant weight. But for some reason, when female athletes enter the mix, it’s the opposite.
The broadcaster’s comment may have been innocent in nature, but the message beneath it is clear: women succeed in sport despite their bodies, rather than because of them.
Sexism continues to exist in sports today beyond how we speak about female athletes. Ski jumping at the Olympics was only permitted for women in 2014. Before, the sport was considered to be “too hard” on their bodies.
In case the average person is wondering what is okay to say when talking about women’s bodies, I’ve got the answer for you: absolutely nothing.
She’s really thin? Say nothing.
She’s got lots of muscles? Say nothing.
She’s taller than a lot of men? Say nothing.
I’m not suggesting we restrict your freedom of speech. Here are some appropriate ways to comment on a female athlete.
She’s beating personal records? Congratulate her.
She’s at the top of her game? Tell the story of how she got there.
She’s leading her team to victory? Applaud her efforts.
Her body is none of your business.
