Olivia Breen, who will compete at the Paralympics next month, was "speechless" after the incident at the English Championships on Sunday; "One of the female officials felt it necessary to inform me that my sprint briefs were too short and inappropriate"
Saturday 24 July 2021 14:30, UK
Double Paralympic world champion Olivia Breen said she was left speechless after an official at the English Championships remarked that her sprint briefs were "too short and inappropriate".
Breen, who won world gold in the T35-38 4x100m in 2015 and then the T38 long jump two years later, will be competing at the Paralympics next month.
The 24-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, questioned whether a male competitor would have faced similar comments after her briefs were queried upon finishing the long jump in Bedford on Sunday.
"I am always very grateful for the incredible volunteers who officiate at athletics events," said Breen, who also won T38 long jump gold for Wales at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, 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.
"I have been wearing the same sprint style briefs for many years and they are specifically designed for competing in.
"I will hopefully be wearing them in Tokyo. It made me question whether a male competitor would be similarly criticised. I hope no other female athletes had similar issues.
"I recognise that there needs to be regulations and guidelines in relation to competition kit but women should not be made to feel self-conscious about what they are wearing when competing but should feel comfortable and at ease."
England Athletics called Breen on Monday morning and asked her to submit a formal complaint so they can investigate the matter.
Breen told Sky Sports News she believes the official in question should be educated rather than punished.
"She just said what you're wearing is too revealing," Breen added. "My first instinct was, are you joking? She was just like 'No you should consider buying shorts'. I looked at my team-mate and asked what happened, and then the official walked off.
"I think she should be educated. She doesn't have any right to go up to a female and say what we can and can't wear.
"[I'm] angry. I've had so many comments since the statement saying 'It happened to me' and they don't feel confident speaking about it. That shouldn't happen to people, we should feel confident with what we're wearing.
"I was wearing my club vest and sponsored pants, we should feel comfortable, but not being judged by an official. I want this to change. I want athletes to feel comfortable in what they compete it. Yesterday was 32 degrees."
An England Athletics spokesperson said: "We are aware of the post and will be investigating as a matter of urgency. The wellbeing of all participants in athletics is of the utmost importance and everyone should feel comfortable to compete and participate in the sport."
British Athletics were also approached for comment.
