The famed gymnastics uniform is named after the 19th century French acrobat, Jules Léotard
Former Olympic gymnast explains how to avoid getting a wedgie during competition (Getty Images for USOPC)
All eyes were on America’s women’s gymnastics team on July 30 during the women’s final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, watching Simone Biles bring her team to first place with a high-difficulty floor routine.
Team USA positioned themselves well from the beginning with Jade Carey’s star vault move and Jordan Chiles and Suni Lee’s all-around performance on the bars and beam. Of course, the 27-year-old reigning world champion started strong and continued her outstanding performance until her final floor exercise.
But while spectators in the stadium and at home couldn’t help but follow their airborne bodies, the focus also fell on the uniforms – a crystal-studded, red, white, and blue leotard. The long-sleeved bodysuit signifying the American flag was meant to resemble the leotards worn by Team USA’s “Magnificent Seven” in 1996.
“These leotards are gorgeous,” Chandra on X, formerly known as Twitter, wrote. A second admirer said: “They are SHINING!!!”
The leotard has been instrumental in gymnastics since its creation in the 19th century inspired by French acrobat Jules Léotard. Because of its movement and ability, the style was soon adopted in ballet and other dance forms.
Though the design allows an individual to move, bend, and split easily, the bottom cut has fascinated many outside viewers, questioning its comfortability.
The leotard was first introduced in the 19th century (Getty Images)
Ahead of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, former gymnast and gold medalist Nastia Liukin spoke to People about the sport’s trademark uniform.
Liukin, 34, told the outlet that competitors would lose points if they’re caught picking their wedgie. “You’re not allowed to [pick a wedgie] or else you get deducted,” she confessed. The solution in some instances? An adhesive spray.
“So a lot of people use like sticky spray [called TuffSkin] for your butt so your leotard doesn’t move,” Liukin continued. “I’ve never used it and I know most of the girls don’t really use it, though we use it for our wrists before we put tape on underneath our grips because we’re sweaty and it’s a little extra stick.”
Gymnasts typically wear their bras and underwear underneath their leotards. According to Liukin, leotards don’t have built-in bras or underwear.
“We normally find a nude sports bra. The leotard company makes them so they’re briefs just like nude briefs and then a nude sports bra,” the 2008 Olympic gymnast added.
But like the wedgie deductions, competitors will be docked points if their bra strap or underwear is visible under their leotard.
News
“Mom’s Been Dying for Me To Sing This”: Emmy Russell continues to bring the audience to tears*
“Mom’s Been Dying for Me To Sing This”: Watch Loretta Lynn’s Granddaughter Wow With a Breathtaking Cover Although growing up with Loretta Lynn as her grandmother, Emmy Russell wanted to explore other careers in life other than music. Even with Lynn praising…
*Angel Reese makes history with a positive record only matched three times in NBA and WNBA in over 50 years
Reese leads the league in both total (374) and per game (12.9) rebounds Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) is seen during a WNBA basketball game We’re witnessing a historic season in the WNBA, starting from the draft, which became the most-watched in league history, attracting 2.4…
*Caitlin Clark’s trophy wardrobe has one more addition – A nomination she’s been looking forward to for weeks
Caitlin Clark adds a new accolade to her growing WNBA honors-A nomination she’s been expecting for weeks Caitlin Clark named WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Caitlin Clark became the second Fever to be named Player of the Week…
*Simone Biles Reveals How Healing Turned Her Into Gymnastics’ GOAT
Victim of Childhood Trauma, Simone Biles Reveals How Houston’s Healing Paved Way for G.O.A.T. Tour Houston turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Simone Biles. While she makes Olympic gymnastics look like a walk in the park, her early…
*Ben Affleck’s representative quickly spoke up about the shocking news that his client was in love with Kick Kennedy.
Ben Affleck responds to Kick Kennedy romance rumors Affleck was rumored to be dating Robert F Kennedy Jr’s daughter, 36, after splitting from Jennifer Lopez As rumors of a budding romance between Ben Affleck and Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy began to…
Fans ‘Can’t Recognize’ Gwen Stefani in New ‘Voice’ Trailer
Good Genes Or Good Docs? Fans React To Gwen Stefani’s ‘Unrecognizable’ Appearance In New ‘Voice’ Trailer: ‘She Aged Backwards’ A new promotional clip for the upcoming 26th season of The Voice was just shared on Instagram, featuring upcoming coaches Gwen Stefani and Snoop Dogg discussing their exciting…
End of content
No more pages to load