A new sports gambling advertisement is causing many problems. The commercial features actress Sydney Sweeney. In the video, she uses sports equipment to cover her body. Many female athletes are unhappy with this ad. They say it focuses on her looks instead of sports skills.
American gymnast Gracie Kramer started a movement on social media. She posted a video of her intense training. She wrote, "I don't know what Sydney Sweeney was doing, but this is what women in sport look like." Many other women shared videos of their hard work to show the real life of an athlete.
Famous athletes are also speaking out. Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus, a four-time Olympic champion, said the ad was bad for women. British cyclist Sophie Capewell MBE also questioned the ad. She thinks marketing should celebrate the sport itself.
British sprinter Amy Hunt is also criticizing the commercial. She recently finished fourth in the 200m final at the Ultimate Championship in Budapest with a time of 22.10 seconds. Other athletes like rugby players Lisa Neumann and Ellie Boatman, and Australian water polo Olympian Tilly Kearns, also joined the protest. They believe women should be judged by their strength and speed.
Sydney Sweeney responded on social media. She posted photos of other famous women, like Serena Williams and Ronda Rousey. However, the athletes say their problem is about respect for professional sport. They want the world to see their hard work and physical achievements. The debate between big companies and real athletes continues.