Female Athletes Push Back on Sydney Sweeney Betting Ad: 'This Is What Women in Sport Look Like'
Elite female athletes have publicly criticized a sports betting advertisement featuring American actress Sydney Sweeney, which they say sexualizes women in sports and prioritizes appearance over athletic achievement. British sprinter Amy Hunt, a four-time European champion, directly referenced the ad after finishing fourth in the 200 meters at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest on Sunday, telling BBC Sport: "Sydney Sweeney, this is what women in sport look like." Gymnast Gracie Kramer started a social media trend of athletes posting training videos, while Olympic swimmers and rugby players echoed the criticism. Sweeney has not commented on the backlash but posted photos of other athletes posing nude or scantily clad, suggesting hypocrisy. The actress previously faced criticism for a 2025 American Eagle jeans advertisement.