In photos: German gymnasts trade leotards for bodysuits in a stand against ‘increasingly uncomfortable’ outfits

Sarah Voss is leading a group of German gymnasts who are defying expectations and taking a stand against 'increasingly uncomfortable' and revealing outfits, which have become normalised in the sport.

The 21-year-old German gymnast made a statement at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championship in Switzerland, when she wore a full bodysuit instead of a leotard in hopes of emboldening others.

Typically, gymnast outfits – particularly for female gymnasts – do not cover the legs. Some have strayed from this expectation in the past due to religious observances, but Voss felt the need to have a broader conversation.

'We women all want to feel good in our skin. In the sport of gymnastics it gets harder and harder as you grow out of your child's body. As a little girl I didn't see the tight gym outfits as such a big deal,' said Voss. She added that she had grown ‘increasingly uncomfortable’ as she became an adult.

As per the International Gymnastics Federation, gymnasts are allowed to wear full-bodied leotards that cover the body from ‘hip to ankle’, as long as they’re elegant in design. As a nod to the rules, perhaps, Voss took to Instagram to write: ‘Feeling good and looking elegant? Why not.’

Two days after Voss’ statement, fellow German gymnasts Kim Bui and Elisabeth Seitz followed her example.

Despite starting the competition on Wednesday in standard outfits, by Friday they had both switched to full-body suits that covered their legs.

The German federation (DTB) reportedly stated that its athletes were taking a standing against ‘sexualisation in gymnastics’.

Seitz explained that it should be a personal choice, depending on the gymnast. 'It’s not about us saying that now every gymnast should cover herself and no longer show her skin. As a team, it’s about showing that you can dress like you want.’

This isn’t the first time gymnasts have expressed such concerns. When hundreds of sexual abuse lawsuits came in against US team doctor Larry Nassar, some athletes, such as former Swiss artistic gymnast Ariella Kaeslin, said they felt overly exposed and uncomfortable in their sport. “I would have often wished I could wear more. Gymnasts are extremely exposed,” said Kaeslin.

It's yet to be seen what impact Voss' statement could have in the future. ‘We hope gymnasts uncomfortable in the usual outfits will feel emboldened to follow our example,’ said Voss.