Helen Skelton Rises Above Dress Sexism Storm In The Best Possible Way

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It’s 2016 and we still can’t seem to get our heads around the fact that women are more than what they wear.

Yesterday, Twitter users went into meltdown after Rio 2016 presenter Helen Skelton wore, God forbid, a short dress on live TV.

Skelton, who was sat with co-host Mark Foster, wearing shorts, and Rebecca Adlington, wearing a dress, became the subject of heated debate for flashing a bit of thigh.

But despite the β€œsexist” uproar, Skelton, 33, has had the last laugh by not responding to the ridiculous tweets and continuing to wear what she wants, when she wants - all while providing top notch coverage of the Olympics.

Skelton, who was covering the Olympic swimming contest alongside co-hosts Mark Foster and Rebecca Adlington, wore a navy wrap dress to present the show.

But unfortunately, rather than focusing on what Skelton had to say, people felt compelled to comment on what she was wearing and the fact that it was distracting them from the sport itself.

What is it with her, it's a sport show, I don't want to see her boobs an thighs I want to concentrate on the swimming or Mark #HelenSkelton

β€” Spiceboy (@jonrjames) August 8, 2016

I see the BBC told @HelenSkelton to put some clothes on tonight. #HelenSkelton pic.twitter.com/nxpLiIUfRB

β€” Stephen Farrant (@56cheffy) August 7, 2016

Suppose Helen Skelton's legs just about make up for her being totally irritating.

β€” Alea iacta est (@marplefiend) August 7, 2016

Watching the swimming coverage, and getting very distracted by Helen Skelton’s legs. This is a good thing, btw.

β€” Graham Guy (@grahamguy) August 7, 2016

Despite the influx of sexism, there were many that stood up for Skelton and noted just how ridiculous other viewers were being.

Sarah Ann Harris hit the nail on the head by tweeting: β€œIf you’re struggling to concentrate on the sport because a woman has a pair of legs, it says more about you than her.”

Dear #HelenSkelton you're a human being. Wear whatever the fuck you like. Nobody has the right to tell you otherwise.

β€” Tom Kelsall (@Stonelaughter) August 7, 2016

This shit about #HelenSkelton outfit is infuriating, backwards nonsense! What year is this!? Jesus 😑 #whyweneedfeminism #stopshaming #morons

β€” Megan K. Fox (@megankfoxfilm) August 7, 2016

people getting their knickers in a twist literally over Helen Skelton showing a bit of leg. So what. The womans in Rio. Bit hot there.

β€” Fiona Frestle (@fionakayfrestle) August 7, 2016

Ugh, yet more casual sexism going on in the media. Get a grip you bunch of morons complaining about #HelenSkelton wearing a dress! πŸ™„πŸ˜ 

β€” Kelly Jervis (@kellymjervis) August 7, 2016

Those who feel #HelenSkelton's outfit was inappropriate shows how regressive our thinking is. Get some perspective people.

β€” Martha (@_MSalhotra) August 8, 2016

If you're struggling to concentrate on the sport because a woman has a pair of legs, it says more about you than her #HelenSkelton #Rio2016

β€” Sarah Ann Harris (@smallest_sarah) August 7, 2016

But perhaps Skelton’s response - or lack of it - was the best thing to come from the media storm, as she proved that she doesn’t actually give a damn about what people think.

She’s still wearing dresses, she’s still providing great coverage and we bet she’s having a better time in Rio than any of the haters hiding behind their computer screens.

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