Television presenter Helen Skelton provided perfect response to critics of her Olympic coverage this weekend.
The former Blue Peter presenter, who headed up BBC’s swimming coverage alongside Mark Foster and Rebecca Adlington, came under fire from some viewers who took umbrage over the length of her dress.
https://twitter.com/Justannienow/status/762234094252134400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/kensmusings/status/762257148181155841
https://twitter.com/ElaineWilson2/status/762315582377254916
A number of viewers were quick to respond to the critique, pointing out the double standard of former swimmer Mark Foster wore shorts during the broadcast without receiving any such comments.
And for those of you criticising Helen Skelton for her choice of outfit, MARK FOSTER IS SITTING THERE IN SHORTS! #MORONS
— Anthony Kennedy (@ajk0842) August 7, 2016
So the two men with @HelenSkelton are also showing their legs but I bet there were no complaints about that #sexism pic.twitter.com/FdY860WQXF
— Zoe Smithouse (@RegoTale) August 7, 2016
It seems Helen’s response to the situation is to rise above, simply continuing her coverage of the swimming events paying the critics no attention.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIyzXN9jPmY/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BI0dB54DAzi/
Because as one commentator pointed out…
If you're struggling to concentrate on the sport because a woman has a pair of legs, it says more about you than her #HelenSkelton #Rio2016
— Sarah Ann Harris 🤷♀️ (@smallest_sarah) August 7, 2016