I Can’t Relate to the Olympics Anymore; It’s Time to Add More People of Size

BONUS NOTE: This article was written by a thin person (me) to express my support for nontraditionally-sized and width-positive athletes, even though I have never been or will be one myself. Gentle Reminder.

As you watch the 2024 Paris Olympics from the comfort of your own home, you realize that something is missing: you don’t relate to the Olympics anymore. Sure, you used to love watching lean, toned athletes run, jump, and sweat their way to victory, but now, knowing what you know, you can’t get behind it. You feel like something is off with all this, and you realize that it’s because there aren’t enough marginalized, micromarginalized, and supermarginalized people of large stature and girth competing.

Over the last few years, we have seen the rise of plus-size celebrities, influencers, and activists, and you think that the same thing could apply to sports. They basically proved that being overweight actually helps, not hurts, your health (don’t fact check this, racists). If anyone should be included in the Olympics, it’s differently-sized people who don’t give a shit about anything except being active and enjoying themselves.

In your opinion, adding more events for those who identify as fat and/or fat people would be a great start. How about a non-sexualized costume contest or a competitive eating competition? The possibilities are endless, and all body types should be celebrated, especially those who are not traditionally beautiful or fit. By celebrating plus-size athletes, you are not reinforcing social norms, you are challenging them, and that is reducing harm. Gentle Reminder.