Paralympian Olivia Breen said an official called her shorts “too short and inappropriate”

Two-time Paralympic world champion Olivia Breen said a volunteer official called her sprint shorts “too short and inappropriate” at the England championships.

Breen, 24, said she was ‘speechless’ after female official made the remark at the England championships after finishing the long jump competition on Sunday. She said she hoped no other athlete felt uncomfortable during the games.

“I have been wearing the same style spring briefs for many years and they are specially designed for competition. I hope I will wear them in Tokyo. It made me wonder if a male competitor would be criticized in the same way. way, “Breen said in a statement. declaration.

“I agree that there must be rules and guidelines regarding competition dress, but women should not feel embarrassed by what they wear when competing, but should feel comfortable and comfortable. comfortable. “

In a statement, a spokesperson for England Athletics said it has opened an investigation into the incident. “We are aware of the publication and will investigate urgently,” the statement said. “The well-being of all participants in athletics is of the utmost importance and everyone should feel comfortable competing and participating in sport.”

Breen, who suffers from cerebral palsy, won gold in the 4x100m relay race at the 2015 IPC World Championships. She also won gold at the 2017 T38 Long Jump World Championships. She also won gold at the 2017 T38 Long Jump World Championships. also won bronze at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

She plans to represent the UK at the upcoming Tokyo Paralympic Games. After speaking out on Sunday, many athletes took to Breen’s defense on social media.

“Someone please tell me how it’s fair”, British para-athlete Olivia Gallagher tweeted. “It is far from fair for officials to comment on clothing. Women should be able to wear what makes them comfortable without any form of judgment!”

Polly Maton, a British Paralympian, said athletes should be able to wear anything that makes them comfortable. “Female athletes should be able to wear what makes them comfortable (and what sports manufacturers have designed for us, largely beyond our control), regardless of what is considered ‘improper’ in the male gaze,” Maton said. tweeted.