News :
"They said my weight and my age and that I still seemed to play with 'barbies'"
She is one of the best athletes currently in the NCAA (the American University Championship). Has won Three consecutive times the 3000 obstacle courseHe is 22 years old and has a great future ahead of him. He runs for the University of Boise State and is news because he has raised his voice against the treatment received by some commentators during the last championships in which he has taken part. It's Allie Ostrander and her confession on Instagram is going around the world.
"They called me a killer with the face of a girl"
"In 2018 they called me the 'killer with the face of a girl' and said that it seemed that I still played with 'barbies'. This year the commentators thought it appropriate to mention (incorrectly, I should add) my weight and my height on several occasions Not only were these comments subjective and unnecessary, but they diverted attention from what really mattered, which was the competition, "says Ostrander in the post, which is accompanied by an image of him competing in the NCAA.
"Why do commentators insist on providing information that has nothing to do with competition? In a sport where eating disorders and dysmorphia are so common, the media have the opportunity to help women (and men!) To feel good, powerful and capable, but focusing on issues of body and proportions throw it overboard.
Many top level athletes such as the world medalist Kara Goucher, world champion Emily Coburn and the Olympic Emily Infield have commented on the message of Ostrander.
See this post on Instagram
I would like to precede this rant by saying that I am incredibly grateful for the equal coverage that are provided for both the men's and women's NCAA track and field championships. This is often not the case as 40% of athletes are females, but they only receive 4% of sports media coverage. With that said, I was disappointed with the commentary that has occurred during my races for the past two years. Both times, the comments have come to attention to my appearance more than my ability. In 2018, I was called "the baby faced assassin" and said that I looked like I was still playing with barbies. This year, the commentators found it necessary to state (incorrectly I might add) my height and weight multiple times. Not only were these comments objectifying and unnecessary, they drew attention away from the real focus of the event. People attend this event and listen to the commentary because they want to see what we are capable of, not what we look like. So why do the commentators insist on providing information that has nothing to do with performance in the sport? In a sport where eating disorders and body dysmorphia are common, the average has an opportunity to help women (and men!) Feel capable, powerful, and worthy, but, by focusing on appearance and body proportions, this opportunity is missed. And anyway, everyone looked hot on Saturday so there was really no need to comment ♀️ • • • #womeninsport #NCAATF #bodypositivity