Sydney Sweeney’s cartoonish provocation has sparked a culture war but let’s just admit sport can be sexy
Yes sport is about effort, sweat and inclusivity – but it also turns elite athletes into magnificent specimens of humanity where the aesthetic is part of the appeal

TL;DR
- A viral advert featuring Sydney Sweeney, intended to showcase women in sport, has generated significant backlash and a culture war.
- Athletes have responded by sharing their own portrayals of women in sport, emphasizing effort, sweat, and inclusivity.
- The author argues that while the backlash is valid, the debate has overshadowed actual sporting events and achievements.
- A key point raised is the need to acknowledge the aesthetic appeal of elite athletes' physical prowess, which is a natural part of their appeal.
- The article distinguishes between the functional beauty of athletes' bodies honed through sport and the manufactured physiques for entertainment.