Dear Dub: Why Do We Sexualize Volleyball Players?

Womens beach volleyball, a sport that combines incredible athleticism, skill and excitement, has boosted in global popularity over the past few years since it was introduced to the Olympic games in 1996. However, this sport has been subject to intense debate regarding the uniforms of female athletes. Some argue that these uniforms are overly sexualized, objectify women and glorify aesthetics over the athletic achievements of the athletes. These athletes are not required to wear tight-fitting bikinis, but many choose to help them more swiftly move across the court and allow for greater comfortability while playing such a physically strenuous sport. Media coverage reinforces the perception of objectification in this sport by focusing on close-up shots of these female athletes, often of particular body parts, to draw attention to their bodies instead of their athleticism and skill.   

This fast-paced, invigorating game should focus on the immense skill and athletic ability of the players rather than how much or how little clothing material they are wearing. Many professional players see the uniform as an expression of empowerment, body positivity and self-confidence, and also easier to play in. Diving for a ball and feeling a giant pile of sand go down your clothing is not only wildly uncomfortable but can slow a player down. Also, trying to maneuver pieces of clothing back into place during a heated rally is far from what players should have to be concerned about at the moment. These athletes are some of the best in the world at beach volleyball and deserve the respect of being appreciated for their agility, skill and overall dedication to a sport they love, rather than their choice of uniform, deeming them an object of sexualization.   

It is argued that the uniform design helps attract viewership and sponsors, ultimately benefiting the athletes and the sport. The attraction to viewership, however, should be due to the excitement of the game and the agility of the players rather than how much skin they may or may not be showing. Viewership and sponsorship should come from the passion of the sport and the thrill of the game rather than how sexually appealing the game is.   

To players of the game, the uniform choice not only gives way to freedom of self-expression but is more practical and aerodynamic to play in. Annoyingly, media coverage of women’s beach volleyball enjoys highlighting the physical attributes of these athletes rather than athletic ability. This is just one example of the sexualization of women in sports and just another case of athletes’ sexual attractiveness being prioritized over their commitment and skillfulness within their sport. When will it end?