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Paralympian Rips Into Official For Calling Her Sprint Attire 'Too Short' And 'Inappropriate'

Paralympian Rips Into Official For Calling Her Sprint Attire 'Too Short' And 'Inappropriate'

Olivia Breen admits she was left "speechless" following the remarks.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

Olivia Breen admits she was left "speechless" after being told her sprint attire was "too short" and "inappropriate".

But these comments didn't just come from the mouth of some idiotic fan, it turns out it was actually a volunteer helping out at the English Championships in Bedford who told her this.

The Welsh long jumper, who is set to represent Team GB at the upcoming Paralympic Games in August, says she was caught completely off guard by the comments.

"I am always grateful for the incredible volunteers who officiate at athletics events," she said via Twitter.

"They do an amazing job and make it possible for us to compete.

"However, tonight I feel disappointed because just as I finished my long jump competition 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.

Olivia Breen.
PA

"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."

Breen, who has cerebral palsy, told The Guardian that she plans on launching an official complaint to UK Athletics along with a former training partner of hers.

"We were both outraged that in 2021 this approach was adopted by an official during a competition," she added.

"I have been really shocked by the number of female athletes or their coaches who have told me about similar incidents happening to them."

At just 24 years of age, Breen is already a two-time world champion and a bronze gold medal winner at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

She's tio

Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@garymitchellphoto/@livvy_breen

Topics: Team GB, Paralympics, Australia