Germans opt for full-body suits to promote freedom of choice

Elisabeth Seitz of Germany in action on the balance beam. REUTERS/Mike Blake

The German women's gymnastics team opted to wear full-body suits in qualifications at the Tokyo Olympics on Sunday in a move they said was designed to promote freedom of choice and encourage women to wear what makes them feel comfortable. The team, composed of Sarah Voss, Pauline Schaefer-Betz, Elisabeth Seitz and Kim Bui, competed in red and white unitards, which are combined leotards and leggings extending to the ankles. They wore similar outfits during training on Thursday and said they could chose to wear them again in competition. Voss said the team had discussed their choice of attire before competing on Sunday and had settled on the unitard.