Former Tennis Star Garbine Muguruza Faces Body Shaming on Red Carpet: A Reminder of Sexism in Spain’s Sports Culture

Former world No 1 Garbine Muguruza faced an unexpected and intrusive question on the red carpet at the Laureus Awards in Madrid last Monday. The question, regarding her physical appearance and training regimen, left Muguruza momentarily taken aback before responding with grace and poise.

Muguruza, who recently retired at the age of 30, found herself in the spotlight once again as she navigated through the throng of journalists and cameras. The question posed to her about her body and training habits highlighted the ongoing issue of sexism and inequality in Spain’s sports culture.

This incident comes on the heels of a series of high-profile cases involving sexism and misconduct in Spanish sports, including the unsolicited kiss by former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales on striker Jenni Hermoso during a trophy ceremony. The subsequent backlash and resignation of Rubiales shed light on the normalization of sexist behavior in Spanish society.

Despite the hope for meaningful change following these incidents, the reality suggests otherwise. Women in sports continue to face scrutiny and belittlement based on their appearance, impacting their participation and mental well-being. Research has shown that body image-related worries contribute to girls dropping out of sports, and even elite athletes are not immune to the pressures of societal beauty standards.

Muguruza’s handling of the intrusive question has sparked widespread debate and praise for her composure. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by women in sports, and the urgent need for a shift in attitudes and behaviors. As Muguruza gracefully navigated the spotlight once again, her response serves as a powerful reminder that women athletes should be celebrated for their achievements, not scrutinized for their appearance.