Let's all agree that one of the best things a student can experience in school is participating in clubs or similar groups. Not only does it help improve one's social skills, but it's also a great way to inject exercise into a routine while having fun at the same time. Of course, most educational institutions have a slew of organizations to choose from, so it shouldn't be too difficult to choose one. But, of course, whether it's the Glee club or the swim team, all members are expected to abide by whatever policy gets enforced, but what happens when someone gets called out despite not having wrongdoing? Well, that's what happened to Breckynn Willis. Read on to see how her story played out.
Losing a Supposed Win Is Devastating
Achieving the impossible is a feat that would make anyone feel as if they're on top of the world. Unfortunately for Breckynn, however, it would appear that everything she worked hard for would go down the drain. As soon as the final verdict would come in, it might just be the end of her future.
At this point, everything was in the hands of the judge. It was a make-or-break moment that Breckynn had been reading for the past few days. Yet, she knew that if the outcome didn't go as planned, it was either she backed down or fought for what was right. What could go wrong with it?
She Couldn't Believe This Was Happening
Both Breckynn and her coach were taken aback by the news. Despite her best efforts, her training had been useless. Unfortunately, she still got disqualified even though she had no control over the circumstances. Her outfit was identical to the others. After all, it was the prescribed team uniform.
It was unfair how Breckynn got treated at that point. Why would they flag her outfit when she wasn't doing anything wrong? Anyone seeing her would see she was following the rules like everyone else. What was the point of being excluded from the group; Breckynn had no idea!
A Swimmer by Heart
Growing up, Breckynn Willis always knew she was a water baby at heart. She loved the water as a child and enjoyed swimming with friends and family on many summer days. For some reason, Breckynn felt at home in the water; thus, she spent more time at the pool than in her room.
Naturally, Breckynn's parents were happy to see their daughter find a sport she loved at an early age. Most of the time, kids would instead immerse themselves in the digital world and avoid exercise. Yet, Breckynn was a different girl. She simply felt life was much better when she was out on the water.
She Had Big Plans
Over time, Breckynn realized that swimming might be her ticket to success. She idolized several famous professional swimmers, and she hoped that one day she'd be on the same path. Yet, Breckynn knew she had to train double time to achieve that elusive dream.
Even at that, Breckynn wanted to secure a swimming scholarship in hopes of lifting the financial burden from her parents. It will be a challenge, but it will be worth the effort. At only seventeen, the aspiring swimmer promised herself she would do whatever it took to make her Olympic dreams a reality.
Competitions Were a Breeze
From the get-go, Breckynn always had a competitive streak, and she knew how to put it to good use. She wasted no time in looking up local and statewide swim meets, practicing day and night to secure some wins under her belt. No one was more passionate in her class than her!
Breckynn's main focus was to get to the top competitions and hopefully catch the eye of schools offering scholarships. She had to stand out from the rest of her competitors, or else she'll get brushed aside. Little did Breckynn know that her perseverance would have a worrying ending.
Everyone Was Ready to Cheer Her On
It was as if the weather was cooperating with Breckynn's mood. The atmosphere was bright and cheery—perfect for a day of swimming against her fellow competitors. Yet, she didn't let her nerves get the best of her since she had been used to these swim meets since she was a kid.
Chlorine filled the air as spectators and employees crammed into the bleachers around the pool to watch the action. This was the moment everyone was waiting for—could it be Breckynn's day to shine? Whatever the case, she was adamant about proving her skill in front of a large crowd, especially since her future was at stake.
It Was an Exhilarating Feeling
Breckynn was excited to showcase her swimming skills, and when it was finally her turn, she went to the edge of the pool and took off. She was in her best element, and the 100-meter freestyle was like second nature to her. She glided across the water like a water creature while the viewers watched in awe.
Nonetheless, one person in the stands was a bit too curious about Breckynn, and it's not in a good way, either. What caught his eye that made him furrow his eyebrows like that? Was Breckynn not doing the strokes as expected, or was she lagging behind the rest?
Each Stroke Was Perfect
Hearing the whistle made all of Breckynn's nerves go away instantly. It was as if her body instinctively knew it should move in a specific manner, and she loved every minute of it. She was born to do this, and no one could convince her otherwise.
It takes years of constant practice for one to develop a similar reflex that Breckynn possessed by then. So even though there would be folks who'd probably disagree, she didn't care as much. Her only goal was to let her talent surface and make folks see that she was more than just a pretty face. This lovely lady has got the swimming moves to beat.
Coming Out With a Bang
Breckynn believed that she had completed the task successfully. She brought herself to the surface at the deep end of the pool, dragging herself out of the water and patting herself dry with a towel.
Now that it was all done, all she could do was relax and enjoy the rest of the day. Breckynn has never worked so hard for something she desperately wanted all her life. Yet, she noticed there was a slight commotion a few moments later. Breckynn craned her neck to see correctly and looked at the audience. What was the problem now?
A Horrible Announcement
The aspiring pro swimmer looked around nervously and held her breath. Then, Breckynn heard the microphone crackle out of the blue, and a jaw-dropping announcement was made. Right in front of the world to see, one man announced that Breckynn Willis of Diamond High School was no longer allowed to compete in the contest.
The harrowing statement didn't sink in until Breckynn noticed they were talking about her. She looked confused and anxious, not knowing how to react or what to say. Was she dreaming? Maybe this was a prank, and they were just playing games with her. No one in their right mind would be this cruel!
She Didn't Know What to Do
It was supposed to be a memory Breckynn would treasure in her heart for all eternity, but now it was slowly becoming a nightmare. What she had just listened to left her completely dumbfounded. The words played over and over in her head. This actually took place, didn't it?
Breckynn tried to recall what just occurred, from the start of the tournament to the end of her last lap. She tried to trace the scenario since she was clueless about why she suddenly got barred from the event. It just did not make sense to Breckynn and the other folks in the swimming arena.
No One Could Give Answers
By now, Breckynn was an emotional wreck. She looked around helplessly, trying to find people who could at least give her some answers. Yet, unfortunately, it was like hitting a dead end with no further thought or explanation. Sadly, Breckynn's coach was no help since she looked rattled too.
It is safe to say Breckynn's journey to get to where she was required extensive work. So, for someone to suddenly announce that she was out of the running made her feel like she had to do something. Breckynn's future would go kaput if she didn't say anything. But would anyone listen to her?
The Coached Snapped From Her Trance
Suddenly, it seemed like the coach, Lauren Langly, finally snapped from her trance. She looked at Breckynn straight in the eyes and saw how scared she was. The doting mentor did not want to see her precious student cry and be humiliated in front of strangers.
This was not the first time she met with the judges over some petty issues. Nonetheless, Lauren was more than ready to battle it out if necessary. After all, she wanted to correct any misconceptions about Breckynn and address any possible issues that would hinder her success. So it should be an easy fix, right?
Who Was the Culprit
After the referee pointed the finger at Breckynn, Laura had no choice but to take a few steps back. She turned to see what the referee had said to her. It was almost as if someone had struck her in the face. Was this person telling the truth?
Lauren knew Breckynn more than anyone else on the team. She was a cautious student who followed every guideline presented. How could they think of the young lady this way? Maybe this was some ploy to let another swimmer win. Whatever their intentions were, this would not end well for the parties involved.
A Heated Argument Ensues
From afar, Breckynn could only watch in awe at how Lauren stood up to defend her honor. She couldn't hear every word in the conversation, but she did notice her coach raising her voice, asking if this was a serious matter.
Only then did Breckynn consider that this might be a setup. She couldn't take all the lies from the judge's mouth. It's unfair that they can easily remove her without even launching a full-on investigation. Breckynn didn't have any details, so she was only speculating what Lauren must be hearing from them.
No Time to Talk
There was a problem, or else Breckynn wouldn't have been disqualified. All she cared about was the justification they'd come up with. However, to find out the actual cause would make her very angry. From the looks of it, one can only surmise that Breckynn wasn't the only person furious in the room.
In the back of her mind, Breckynn couldn't fathom the thought of losing a victory over nothing. Instead, she wondered what the excuse could be that it was enough to warrant her disqualification. The lady was so mad at these people that she choked up for words.
What Has Been Said and Done
Breckynn overheard the referee reprimand her coach and understood much of what was said. Yet, she still couldn't connect the dots about the entire situation. It was all a big joke to her. What Breckynn was hearing boggled her mind; perhaps she would never know why this was happening.
Her cheeks lit up, and her emotions were about to get the best of her. Her self-confidence turned down a notch whenever Breckynn thought about the judge's words. It was a terrible thought, and they shouldn't be talking about a young lady that way.
The Words Get Revealed
So, what exactly did this person say that made Breckynn almost bow down in shame? Well, she's reportedly wearing a swimsuit that was too revealing for the competition, specifically the one on her behind. So, her glutes were exposed and touching each other, and since this was a public event, they had to reprimand them.
Upon hearing this, the coach was speechless, but she quickly gave the judge a reproachful look that would've scared anyone at a glance. Regardless, she didn't say anything more and decided to approach the situation in a civilized way.
Time to Leave the Premises
After a while, Lauren had no choice and broke the news to Breckynn that they had to get going. It was a sweet moment that turned sour, obviously upsetting everyone. Yet before the day was out, the bizarre events would take an even crazier turn.
Breckynn wasn't someone who would hold a grudge against people, but she might change her mind if they would not resolve this problem very soon. She didn't like the way people were looking at her right now. Why was Breckynn being shamed over something so unlawful? This wasn't what she had in mind when she joined the competition.
Was It a Wardrobe Malfunction
The referee had chosen to disqualify the student from the event because she displayed too much flesh and concluded she had purposefully hiked up her suit to be more provocative. It's appalling how they would assume Breckynn would do something like that. It wasn't in her nature to be malicious in any way.
Did they have any problem with the way she looked? She didn't care much about her outfit. All Breckynn wanted to perform well enough to get noticed and secure a swimming scholarship. It was as simple as that! Regardless, yet another factor would become apparent in the future.
Pointing Out the Obvious
Another fact the judges seemed to have missed is that Breckynn wasn't wearing a unique swimsuit. Every other girl in the competition wore the same one! So, why was this judge singling her out from the group?
Was Breckynn that good of a swimmer to be targeted like this? Maybe they were threatened by her performance and rigged it to make it appear like she was a rule breaker. She looked at the rest and wondered if there were somehow involved in this fiasco. This was not fair, and Breckynn would never tolerate this nonsense.
It Was Just a Wedgie
In addition, the skin had a purpose. A "swimmer's wedgie" is something that every swimmer eventually experiences. Regular swimmers understand the discomfort, and they know they aren't alone. It was simply a part of a swimmer's life. Anyway, having a wedgie doesn't bother anyone or hamper one's performance in the water.
Nobody would knowingly do something like that. Why would anyone want to expose themselves intentionally in a crowd filled with family and friends? Yet, it turns out that they would soon disclose the proper motivation. What was it this time? It could not be much worse than it already is, right?
Actions Had to Be Taken
Coach Lauren Langford did not want to let this insult pass without a fight, so she took to social media and the Alaska School Activities Association to protest the decision. If they weren't going to listen, it would be a better approach if they let the public know how terrible Breckynn was getting treated.
Unfortunately, the response was much worse than the first gripe. The referee had a particularly vile reason for singling out Breckynn. Never in their wildest imagination did Breckynn and her coach think it would come to this. They were only there to swim and win. So why was it too hard to understand?
She Was Different From the Rest
The girl had more curves than the other squad members and a pedigree that included more than one race. Breckynn was a bit on the fuller side, and it should not be an issue, given size does not matter in swimming. As long as she can perform well, then all should be fine.
Yet, now that the referee has already inserted the race card into the situation, they must address another issue. Why was it suddenly brought up, now of all times? Breckynn could join swim meets easily since she was a kid, which was never a problem.
The Facts Are Undisputable
It can appear to most people as something hard to recognize, but it was unfortunately believable when the facts got revealed. Naturally, it's a sensitive subject, and most folks would steer clear from something that would cause a debate.
Additionally, we're supposed to live in a world where these topics shouldn't matter anymore. Gone are the days when inequality was rampant. So, someone's color should never be a problem in any situation and at any time. Yet, Breckynn grew up loving herself and the culture she immersed herself in. She was not about to let a stranger tell her otherwise.
It Blew Out of Proportion
The indisputable truth unleashed a firestorm of fury. Here was a young lady who dreams of becoming a pro athlete, but now she's subjected to public scrutiny. That would have been understandable if it had merit, but Breckynn was innocent.
We can't say enough that Breckynn did not do anything but be herself. Yet, somehow, that is the main problem that the judges had with her. All she had to do was swim to prove her skill, but all they saw was a woman of color who likely had terrible intentions when joining the swimming contest.
She Was Like the Other Girls
Believe it or not, two other girls looked quite similar to Breckynn. Both she and they performed admirably in the 100-meter freestyle. It was an arduous task to compete in, but Breckynn did a fine job and looked every inch the pro swimmer she aspired to be.
Back at the venue, everyone got dressed in regular uniform suits. The cut-down to the color was pretty much the same thing. Comfort was vital if one hoped to excel in this field. They were all styled similarly, which is to be expected, given this contest.
Her Sister Experienced It Too
It turned out that her sister, who was also a swimmer, was the most crucial person in the case. Nobody else on the teams had been dismissed for their appearance, but she and her sister had been. Was life so cruel that it would allow both sisters to meet such cruel fates?
It's clear there's a motive behind this decision, and it could only boil down to one thing. No one might say it for now, but it's too obvious to disregard. When they realized why everyone involved was so angry, they were shocked.
This Was an Injustice
There was only one choice left here. The coach decided to grant interviews in hopes of putting the message out there, whether they liked it or not. So when KTUU interviewed Coach Lauren Langford, she was boiling with anger.
She said that the rest of her squad was wearing identical outfits, and she was the only one disqualified. So, from her perspective, she got selected and pulled out for special attention during the previous year. Were they trying to make a fuss to capture some attention? Or perhaps this was just a way to get people to talk about their school.
Fanatic Studio/Gary Waters/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Getty Images
Now comes the hard part: the referee at the swim meet finally gave her two cents about the Breckynn fiasco. Referee Jill Blackstone claimed that the exclusion resulted from a new rule they had just set in place, and everyone had to follow it.
The modesty rule was, but the reality was becoming more and more apparent. This issue was not because of a simple policy or because Breckynn did not abide by it. It was so much more than that. Perhaps, they simply had a hard time saying what it was about, so they went ahead and gave an excuse instead.
People Talked About Her Body
Breckynn got chosen because Jill Blackstone, the referee, didn't like how the swimsuit looked on the girl's more significant, curvier body. In addition, the new "modesty" regulation had arrived with new, standard-issue swimsuits for every female. Regardless, Breckynn got singled out because of this.
Were they going to kick her out over something so natural? Additionally, it's not even her fault if she may not look as flattering as the skinnier girls. And it's only their opinion, too, since as far as Breckynn and her loved ones know, she looks great just the way she is. So they just have to accept that.
Body Shaming Has Become Prevalent
One of today's most pervasive social issues is the practice of body shaming. This issue is a form of bullying involving derogatory remarks about a person's appearance, especially regarding their weight or size. People of different sizes and shapes have varying health risks. Yet, society and the media still place a lot of pressure on us to conform to arbitrary beauty standards.
There has been a lot of discussion and debate around body image and body shaming recently, especially among young people. Shaming someone for their body is an intensely private matter that may have profound psychological effects. Teenagers' self-esteem and confidence get damaged by body shaming, and it could lead to even more significant problems.
A Battle Over Authority
Coach Langford's suspicions were confirmed, but it was her word against Blackford's. She was confident some folks from the team and even from other schools would be on her side, but what about those who are biased regarding skin color?
The referee didn't realize, however, that Lauren had evidence. She had solid proof to back up her claims and possibly end this issue once and for all. It could even help those who are in a similar predicament. Whatever the case, at least Lauren had something to kickstart this brigade for Breckynn's right to be back in the swim meet.
A Scandal Was Looming
No one expected Lauren to be smart enough to document the entire controversy in a blog post. Instead, she chronicled every detail in her own words, and the truth would get revealed shortly. What could go wrong with a simple article? It was the truth.
It was clear that the new modest standards instituted at the school were aimed mainly at regulating the physical appearance of female students. Wearing uniforms would be acceptable, but being too stringent about it would only push kids to the edge. Also, we surmise this is another method for schools to exercise control over the young generation.
It Was a Part of Something Much Bigger
The coach concluded that the encounter was part of a larger plot to target Breckynn, her sister, and other girls of color. What else could it be? These folks didn't want anyone with mixed blood joining the contest and winning it. It would be an embarrassing moment for them.
One horrific event, in particular, stood out as the worst component of the whole situation. Yet, unfortunately, the entire scenario was getting worse as the story progressed. And one can only hope there was a happy ending to it since it will be a significant problem if they leave it as it is.
People Had Different Opinions
Coach Langford stated that she was a swim coach at a different school in the district that competes with Diamond High regularly, and she has witnessed this controversy split her swimming community. It was a sad thought, but it was happening.
Some people considered themselves conservatives and agreed with the referee's opinions about Breckynn's outfit. They said no rulebreaker deserves a spot in the meet, which would have been fine if Breckynn had done so. Yet, she didn't! And for that, the rest of the people thought she was getting unfair treatment. This debate was almost becoming a national concern at this point.
Their Confidence Got Shaken
According to the coach, it has made her players worry excessively about their appearance, negatively impacting their confidence and performance. In addition, the girls' bodies, not their outfits, are obviously under scrutiny, which is weird considering this is not a beauty pageant.
Instead of focusing on how these young women look, they should start a contest without swimming. Or better yet, announce it ahead so the audience would not be shocked they were attending a non-athletic event. Only then would it be acceptable to judge people by their appearance. Yet, of course, anyone who would say otherwise has another thing coming.+
The Accusations Just Keep on Coming
Langford's blog article elaborates that this issue is mainly due to their big hips, large chests, and dark complexions that appear different from their willowy, slender, and generally pale colleagues. Teenage swimmers aren't being penalized for wearing their suits in scandalous or provocative ways.
Nonetheless, some people would say that race has nothing to do with this affair. That perhaps they were merely overreacting over a non-issue. Was it essential to argue over one ruling? It was indeed dividing both the organization and the watchers. Only time will tell whether everyone will reach a final decision, and it would be interesting to see if they would eventually agree on something.
An Even Bigger Discussion
The problem becomes immediately apparent when referees get overheard admitting that white athletes are exposing too much flesh, but they have never been disqualified for some reason. No one blinked an eye and proceeded like nothing was wrong. Anyone who would hear this confession would be appalled, yet never shocked.
This predicament is all too familiar and has happened one way or another. There is always that racial divide in this world, which stems from years of hate and ignorance. The judge and the referee were in this together, but they didn't care what everyone would think. However, it wasn't the end of it.
Taking It to a Whole New Level
Another occurrence that had taken place within the previous year was described in detail by Coach Langford. Unbelievably, a parent had discreetly snapped images of Breckynn's rear end while she was wearing a bikini. Then that parent emailed those photographs to other parents and Breckynn's teachers.
Not only is this a direct violation of someone's privacy, but it shows how it's not just the authorities who were prejudiced about them. For example, if a person of color did this, then they would have been arrested or taken in for questioning after a complaint got filed. And yet, that isn't the case here.
For Them, It Was a Violation
One of the mothers reportedly wrote a note about Breckynn and the rest of the curvy swimmers, saying they did not want their boys to see them wearing their uniformed suits. They looked too inappropriate to be seen in public!
They even went as far as declaring this was a confirmed violation of the swimmers' guidelines. Furthermore, no boy should be in their company, let alone look at them if they continued to wear the uniforms in other competitions. Simply put, these folks are being judgmental over something so ridiculous. It's hard to comprehend how their ignorance is the only thing they have going for them.
A Concrete Solution Available
To wrap off her article, Coach Langford said the most obvious solution to these people's complaints. What if they do not like how these swimsuits look on these girls' bodies, then don't peek; they are minors, children, and no one should be staring at them in any way. If a grown man gets caught doing so, that's a recipe for disaster.
Why was it so difficult to comprehend that the individuals involved were children? But, more importantly, this was a sensitive issue that they shouldn't take lightly. They should just let kids be kids and move on to better things in life.
Making Sure It Never Happens Again
Although we cannot change what has already taken place, we can work to ensure that it will not occur again. So, what should one do about it, then? And would we be assured that this would be the last time some adults would make this a mountain out of a molehill?
Coach Langford knew it would probably be a challenge for most people since it's always second nature for us to poke around and stick our noses where it doesn't belong. Yet, adults must act like adults and worry about what matters instead.
Her Post Became Viral
Coach Langford's video didn't have to wait long for the internet to catch on. The blog post was shared and read by thousands of netizens, and it has become a hot topic in many conversations. Both parents and other citizens couldn't believe this was happening in the neighborhood.
Even though the Anchorage school system looked into the referee problem, they had to quickly make a public statement about it. Otherwise, many doubters would speculate that they were not doing their part to resolve the matter, and local or statewide media outlets will capture it. No one wants to sweep this under the rug.
The News Was Sweeping the Nation
In the meantime, Breckynn was preparing to reveal the alarming information to the public. Now was the opportunity to share the aftereffects of the racism she and her teammates faced at the swimming competition.
After learning about the situation, former American Idol winner turned TV host Kelly Clarkson decided to give the swimmer and her coach the opportunity to discuss it on her talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show. It was a platform where all they had to do was speak and hopefully open the eyes of many viewers who had similar views with the judge and referee.
This Was a Great Shock to All
High schooler Breckynn Willis, who was banned from a swim event because her school-issued bikini revealed too much, spoke to Kelly Clarkson. In the interview, Kelly expresses her disapproval of Breckynn's predicament and the district's policy. And it would seem the audiences agreed.
Everyone who saw the program was also outraged, and several rushed to the comments area to bring out the shocking facts. Not only was there a collective feeling of disgust as the program aired, but there were also some folks who aired out their feelings through the video's feedback section. It was pure mayhem, and Breckynn was all here for it.
The Public Has Spoken
Deciding without knowing all the facts is never a good idea. Perhaps, that was the referee and judge's biggest mistake when they chose to target Breckynn. They probably thought no one would go against their decision, but unluckily for them, their plan was foiled by the public.
We already know how Breckynn and Coach Langford felt about the ordeal, but no one was prepared to take in all the hate and backlash the referee would get from the masses. They didn't want to sit and watch while they tore down a beautiful young woman's self-confidence. Someone had to stand up for her!
Nothing Wrong With Being Curvy
A female commentator aired her grievances, saying it's so annoying that society expects curvier women to cover up more than their counterparts. Are we talking about modesty or body shaming because guys can't take it? Why are the ladies getting all the flack?
First, a person's body should never be the basis for judging her as a person. She is more than her physique; Breckynn is a prime example of this. Instead of bringing her down, we should all help her achieve her lifelong goals and be her biggest cheerleader. Then, the world would be a better place.
Women Pitching Against Women
The worst part is that the female official disqualified her. It would have been less shocking if a man did that to Breckynn, but the fact that it was her kind makes it a sad moment. What kind of woman would do something like that to a young lady?
On the other hand, another commenter said that we should stop fat-shaming women for being themselves. Amidst all the feedback, we can't help but wonder if there will genuinely be changes in the system or if this will be discussed only at that moment and forgotten when people move on to other posts.
The Perils of Body Shaming
Teens subjected to body shaming are more likely to struggle with depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. Not to mention a plethora of additional illnesses that pose severe risks to the kid's emotional and physical well-being and call for professional care.
The good news is that an adolescent can overcome body shame. Seekibg therapy can restore mental and physical health can for varying conditions. Therapeutic methods and programs are available to assist people in reclaiming their lives, so they can ultimately stop striving to be someone they are not and instead learn to love and accept themselves just as they are.
They Retracted the Decision
The Alaska School Activities Association announced that the disqualification would no longer stand. The Anchorage School District had lobbied the activities association to have the disqualification overturned, saying in a statement that it was indeed over the top.
The ASAA ruled that Breckynn should be allowed to continue competing since the official failed to inform her coach of the issue with the suit's fit before the race. In addition, the Alaska School Activities Association wrote a letter to swim and dive officials after the Breckynn case to remind them of the rule that requires them to consider whether a swimmer is purposely rolling up their swimsuit to show their buttocks before disqualifying them.
A Reminder Has Been Set
After that, the association sent two stern reminders to all employees and officials. First, there was no need to presuppose anything about the uniform to be worn by everyone. Association director Billy Strickland told KTUU that they would encourage officials to give the benefit of the doubt to the athlete.
In addition, a version of the regulation implemented for the 2019-20 swimming season requires notification to be sent to an athlete's coach before heat if inappropriate gear is spotted. They also want to outline the scope of the issue raised by adults uneasy about being on board with young people dressed inappropriately for the occasion.
Pushing for the Future
Again, it should have been evident that judging a rival based on their looks was improper on both a professional and a personal level. According to the guidelines, the suits must be worn in the correct size determined by the manufacturer's standards for the athlete's body type and are not allowed to be changed.
It is required that young men wear suits that conceal their bottom and that young women wear suits that cover both their posterior and their bosom. So let's all keep our fingers crossed that with these rules in place, everyone can all move forward and have a better tomorrow.
A Reminder About Racism
Many adults are struggling with how to initiate or maintain discussions on racism with their children and teenagers in the aftermath of a national movement in response to racial injustice and police violence against Black Americans. Kids need reassurance from their parents and other caregivers that they will do their best to keep them safe in the face of disturbing pictures and themes in the news.
There is an opportunity to teach all children about injustice by highlighting the reality that some children are less protected than others in the outer world because of their race. In addition, kids may learn to care about others and become better citizens by participating in community service projects with their families.
There Should Be Zero Tolerance
The United States is a country where sports play a unique role. Social connection and cohesiveness are fostered as we celebrate our commitment to these ideals of equality, justice, and participation. Nonetheless, racism from the stands at athletic events is still a problem that might be hard to solve.
The states should establish guidelines to promote best practice responses to racism from spectators in professional sports. They pinpoint measures that can be implemented uniformly across different sports to protect fans, officials, and players from harm and make sure they know how to prevent and address racist and sexist behavior from the stands. They also suggest preventative steps to lessen the likelihood of racism arising.
Gaining Some Media Attention
Strength and conditioning instructor Dewayne Ingram told CNN that Breckynn was the most developed athlete he has coached in seven years and hundreds of young athletes. Breckynn started the year with a bench press maximum of 65 pounds, and after a year, she was in the top three of all female athletes Ingram has worked with, lifting a maximum of 150 pounds.
Nonetheless, the swimmer's mother voiced her concern that the focus on the swimmer's body type sends the incorrect message at a time when her daughter wanted to bask in the reflected glory of being selected for the homecoming court.
Getting Several Offers Everywhere
Multiple universities expressed interest in having Breckynn attend and discussed scholarship money. On top of that, her name began to become well-known in the swimming community in a more positive way. After all that Breckynn has been through, she's finally getting the accolades she deserves.
In a way, it's safe to surmise that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. And it's also worth noting that while it was an excruciating experience, it served as an avenue to educate others and prevent the same thing from happening to future athletes in the field. So there's always something positive out of everything that happens.
Back to Setting Her Goals
At last, Breckynn could put the insanity of that moment behind her and return her attention to her goals. She feels vindicated, and that spark she once had for swimming gets restored. At one point, Breckynn lost all hope despite winning several meets in the past, but that has changed now.
Maybe this time, the entire swimming community would take things seriously. Breckynn did not want future swimmers, especially girls, to feel unsafe in the only place where they could express themselves the best way they knew. Nevertheless, she was glad they had achieved their aim of getting things right.
Onward to a Brighter Future
Breckynn is just one of the many athletes who suffered from racism in the sports world. It's been going on for decades, but not everyone is brave enough to say something about it. Instead, others accept it like it's the way of life, which is unfortunate since it shouldn't be like that.
Well, we hope that what happened to Breckynn would serve as a lesson and inspire those who keep silent that it's okay to speak up, especially if there's racial profiling involved. As mentioned earlier, there should be no room for such an attitude in our society, and by putting ourselves up front, then it's already one step closer to changing the world.