Female athletes from across the sporting world have criticised a controversial gambling advertisement featuring American actress Sydney Sweeney, arguing that it reinforces the sexualisation of women in sport. The advert, which has gone viral online, features Sweeney posing with various pieces of sporting equipment while covering parts of her body. Critics say the campaign focuses attention on women’s appearance rather than their athletic ability, dedication and achievements. British sprinter Amy Hunt, a four-time European champion, responded to the advert after finishing fourth in the 200m f

Female athletes from across the sporting world have criticised a controversial gambling advertisement featuring American actress Sydney Sweeney, arguing that it reinforces the sexualisation of women in sport. The advert, which has gone viral online, features Sweeney posing with various pieces of sporting equipment while covering parts of her body. Critics say the campaign focuses attention on women’s appearance rather than their athletic ability, dedication and achievements. British sprinter Amy Hunt, a four-time European champion, responded to the advert after finishing fourth in the 200m final at the Ultimate Championship in Budapest. After running a season-best 22.10 seconds, Hunt told BBC Sport: “Sydney Sweeney, this is what women in sport look like.” She pointed to the physical strength and commitment required to compete at the highest level, highlighting winner Melissa Jefferson-Wooden’s 21.47-second performance. The online response was initially driven by American gymnast Gracie Kramer, who posted a training montage while challenging the way women athletes are represented. Four-time Olympic swimming champion Ariarne Titmus also criticised the campaign, questioning why women’s bodies continue to be sexualised and monetised in sports marketing. Other athletes, including Olympic cyclist Sophie Capewell and England rugby player Alex Matthews, have joined the discussion. Matthews stressed that there is no single body type for female athletes, noting that different physiques bring different strengths to sport. Sweeney has not directly addressed the criticism but shared images of male and female athletes who have previously appeared in limited clothing for sports publications, seemingly highlighting what she sees as a double standard. The debate has renewed questions about how women in sport should be represented and whether athletic achievement should take greater prominence in sports advertising.

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