– It is completely behind the goal! You will be allowed to play in shorts. What’s the problem, like? That’s what Sunniva Helland-Hansen says, who together with her partner Emilie Olimstad continues to fight for her own rights in beach volleyball. At the weekend, there was another report about a problem that they thought they had finished with a long time ago. During a tournament in China, the duo were asked to take off their shorts and change into bikinis, although the rules were already changed in 2012 to allow the athletes to wear whatever clothing they want. SUPPORT: The messages flowed in to Sunniva Helland-Hansen (pictured) and Emilie Olimstad after they stood up to the judge who demanded that they wear bikinis. Photo: Terje Haugnes / news Helland-Hansen and Olimstad stood their ground, and finally got to play in shorts. Subsequently, messages of support have flown in on social media. – Then it dawns on us how important this match is. Even though we stand firm on this, there are many others who have noticed stress because of it, says Helland-Hansen, and highlights one of the messages they received: – We received a message from a father who had four daughters, who said he was proud that we stood up and stood for these rights. Then you understand that it is important to deal with it when you are treated unfairly. Apologies to the Norwegian team In front of news, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) apologizes to the Norwegian team. The FIVB wrote that they investigated the case and that a misunderstanding led to the referee asking the players to change their clothes. The association underlines that the Norwegian team had the rules on their side, and a technical delegate should have come and settled the matter before the start of the match. SPORTS MANAGER: Iver Horrem. Photo: Terje Haugnes / news “Although the problem was resolved quickly, we apologize for the confusion and any inconvenience caused. We will continue to work with all officials to ensure that they are aware of the regulations,” the FIVB wrote to news. In the aftermath of the episode, acting sports director of the Norwegian volleyball association Iver Horrem has asked for a meeting with the FIVB. He wants an explanation and wants to discuss how to prevent something like this from happening again. – There may be many who refuse to participate in sports because of the outfit. Then it is even more important that we have athletes who stand firm in it and show that it is an alternative, says Horrem, who was previously a sand volleyball player at the top level. Paving the way for young players The Norwegian team has also received reports from players from other nations who are said to have been met with the same demand from the referees. For them, freedom of choice is the most important thing. Many teams choose, of their own accord, to continue in bikinis, and the Norwegian team recognizes that there are big cultural differences. They have nevertheless noticed that more people are following in their footsteps. The big goal is that clothing should not be perceived as an obstacle for young athletes who think that sand volleyball can be a sport for them. – The reason we are doing this is that we want to pave the way for those behind us. If there are 2–3 girls, or boys, who continue with the sport because we play in shorts, it is worth it, says Olimstad. DUO: Emilie Olimstad and Sunniva Helland-Hansen fight for their own rights in beach volleyball. Photo: King Of The Court Demand a meeting about the regulations Horrem believes the Norwegian team is a great inspiration for others in sports. – Before, they were perhaps the only ones who played in shorts. Now we see that there are perhaps 10–15 teams that do that. There is no doubt that they have been driving forces and have been a role model for many, he says. Helland-Hansen and Olimstad have delivered several strong results recently, and are still fighting to represent Norway in the Olympics in the summer of 2024. In the future, they want to be taken seriously by the judges and that the focus can be on the great achievements on the field. – I think it is stupid that we still have to stand and talk about this. We would rather talk about the good results we have managed to produce. I think it’s sad that people get hung up on this all the time. Fortunately, we have met with a lot of support, and that people think it’s cool that we dare to play in shorts, says Olimstad.
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Massive support after bikini press – now the association apologizes – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcast schedule
