Paralympic star Olivia Breen is firing back at a female official for calling her sprint shorts “inappropriate” … saying women should not have to feel self-conscious about what they wear during competition.
The 24-year-old 2-time world champion claims the comment came after the long jump events at the English Championships in Bedford on Sunday … an interaction that left a bad taste in her mouth.
“I am always very grateful to the incredible volunteers who officiate at athletics events,” Breen said on Twitter. “They do an amazing job and make it possible for us to compete.”
“However, tonight I feel quite disappointed because just as I finished my long jump competition at the English Championships, one of the female officials felt it necessary to inform me that my sprint briefs were too short and inappropriate.”
“I was left speechless.”
Thank you everyone for all your lovely supportive messages and I’m sorry to hear that it has happened to so many other people. Some people have asked what I was competing in yesterday so here is a picture.
I don’t think it is “ objectionable” within the UKA regulations pic.twitter.com/rnTPoTxGAz
— oliviabreen (@BreenOlivia) July 19, 2021
@BreenOlivia
Breen explained her shorts are made by Adidas and specifically designed for competition … which she has worn for many years.
In fact, Breen — who has cerebral palsy — says she intends to wear the same shorts when competing for Britain at the Tokyo Paralympics in August.
“It made me question whether a male competitor would be similarly criticized,” she added. “I hope no other female athletes had similar issues.”
Breen notes she’s all on board with having rules and regulations for what people wear during events, but says “women should not be made to feel self-conscious about what they are wearing when competing but should feel comfortable and at ease.”
Breen told CNN that England Athletics has been supportive and in communication with her following the incident … and she plans to file a complaint.
England Athletics released a statement as well … saying it is investigating the matter.