Body shaming of female cyclists: a problem going nowhere
Comments about female athletes' bodies go beyond banter: they carry real economic and personal costs. How long will it go on?
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Body shaming of female cyclists goes beyond banter: it has real costs
While some criticise them for being too thin, others call them out for having curves. Female cyclists face relentless body scrutiny that has nothing to do with their performance. The paradox is obvious: professional cycling demands an extremely aerodynamic physique, yet when an athlete doesn't fit the mould, social media turns into a ring of insults.
The price of image in professional sport
Aesthetic pressure is nothing new, but in women's cycling it is peine by a double standard: lightness is demanded for competing, but so is a beauty ideal that few can meet. Sponsoring brands watch these episodes warily. An athlete who becomes a target of mockery can see her sponsorship options shrink, and that has a direct impact on her income and career.
The invisible cost of cyberbullying
Behind every comment about a physique there is an athlete who trains, competes and delivers results. Online harassment is not harmless: it affects mental health, concentration and, ultimately, performance. Some studies indicate that athletes who suffer harassment are more likely to leave professional sport prematurely.
The question that remains: are we measuring cyclists by their time-trial times or by how well they conform to a stereotype that has nothing to do with sport?
While some criticise them for being too thin, others call them out for having curves. Female cyclists face relentless body scrutiny that has nothing to do with their performance. The paradox is obvious: professional cycling demands an extremely aerodynamic physique, yet when an athlete doesn't fit the mould, social media turns into a ring of insults.
The price of image in professional sport
Aesthetic pressure is nothing new, but in women's cycling it is peine by a double standard: lightness is demanded for competing, but so is a beauty ideal that few can meet. Sponsoring brands watch these episodes warily. An athlete who becomes a target of mockery can see her sponsorship options shrink, and that has a direct impact on her income and career.
The invisible cost of cyberbullying
Behind every comment about a physique there is an athlete who trains, competes and delivers results. Online harassment is not harmless: it affects mental health, concentration and, ultimately, performance. Some studies indicate that athletes who suffer harassment are more likely to leave professional sport prematurely.
The question that remains: are we measuring cyclists by their time-trial times or by how well they conform to a stereotype that has nothing to do with sport?
Also available in: Deutsch
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (17 replies).
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