Female athletes criticize Sydney Sweeney ad for sexualizing women in sports
An advertising campaign featuring actor Sydney Sweeney has sparked backlash from female athletes who say it sexualizes women in sports, drawing criticism from Olympians and other competitors on social media. The Novig sports prediction platform ad shows Sweeney with minimal clothing, covered by footballs and sports apparel. Four-time Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus expressed fury, while British sprinter Amy Hunt highlighted athletes' muscles and hard work in a post-race BBC interview. Former gymnast Gracie Kramer and rugby player Sofie Fella also condemned the ad as disrespectful. Novig and Sweeney's publicist haven't commented, though Sweeney posted ESPN Body Issue covers in apparent response. This follows her debated 2025 American Eagle campaign.