People magazine did a story on the controversy over female Olympians posing in ‘non’competition’ suits. Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, just out, features? Lindsey Vonn (pictures above left)? along with three other U.S. Olympians: snowboarders Hannah Teter and Clair Bidez and ski aerialist Lacy Schnoor.? Lindsey has been more on the burner over the ordeal, probably because she is so favored for gold in Vancouver, and had this to say about her decision to strip down and show out:
“I talked about it with my husband, and I looked at what other athletes had done in the past. I’m trying as best as I can to promote our sport and make it mainstream.”
I don’t know that there are many people alive who haven’t at least heard Lindsey Vonn’s name, rather they know what she does or not is a different story, but her name is household. Lindsey? Jacobellis (pictured above right), 24-years-old,? snowboard cross star, opted out of the spot light. She said, “I get way too many little girls who are crazy about snowboarding coming up to me, asking for autographs and advice, and I want to stay a strong role model for them.”
I don’t think being sexy or feminine takes away from my opinion of women as athletes. In fact, I think it inspires me to know that these beautiful women are not relying on their looks, they are using their talent to make a name for themselves and many people who would not otherwise be interested in the Olympics may be giving it a second chance.