Olympic Boxer Covered in Vogue, but for the Right Reasons?
History will be made in the summer of 2012 when the Summer Olympics will feature women’s boxing for the first time. To compliment this, Vogue has published a compelling profile on Marlen Esparza.
Marlen Esparza (born 1989) is an American boxer. Esparza started boxing when she was 11 in her hometown of Pasadena, Texas. Now 23, Esparza might be the best bet to win gold for the U.S.
In May 2012, she qualified to compete at the 2012 Olympics, becoming the first American women to qualify for the Olympics in the first year that women’s boxing will be an Olympic event. Esparza won a bronze medal at the 2006 Women’s World Boxing Championship. Esparza has an endorsement deal with CoverGirl cosmetics. She also appeared in a Spanish language commercial for Coca-Cola.
A direct quote from Vogue says that “A track-and-field athlete, perhaps, or a runner, but at five feet three and 112 pounds she is neither brawny nor particularly fierce-looking.”
Vogue also goes on to feature a photo of Esparza in a stunning red dress.
Her in-ring success prompted top-tier companies such as Nike, Coca-Cola and CoverGirl to sign Esparza to sponsorship deals. That allowed Esparza to quit her day job as a dental assistant to focus on training full time, and staying focused has required sacrifice and dedication.
So, I wonder why Vogue and other sites choose to focus on her small and slim attributes? What do you think? Sound off, below!
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