‘Where are her clothes?’: Holly Archer shuts down backlash over London marathon outfit

British middle-distance runner Holly Archer completed her first-ever marathon at the 2025 TCS London Marathon with a strong time of 2 hours and 39 minutes. The 31-year-old, who won silver in the 1500m at the 2021 European Athletics Indoor Championships, finished as the fourth British woman in the elite category. The April 27 event saw a record 56,640 runners cross the finish line.However, instead of her athletic performance making headlines, much of the online attention focused on her race-day attire, professional running briefs known in the industry as “run buns.” Social media commenters flooded Archer’s post-race video with remarks questioning her outfit.Some said she looked “uncomfortable,” while others compared the briefs to a bikini. One user asked, “Where’s her clothes?” and another mocked, “There’s lots of shops in London you should check them out they have loads of clothes.”In response, Archer posted a follow-up video on TikTok sarcastically asking, “Should I have worn a tracksuit?” She also addressed the weather conditions during the race, noting it was around 75°F (24°C) with 78% humidity — conditions that justified wearing minimal, breathable gear. Frustrated by the focus on her appearance, Archer responded bluntly: “Fu*k the lot of yeehh? Give me a break!”Despite criticism, she proudly reflected on the experience on Instagram, calling it “crazy” and unforgettable. “The crowds, the noise, the energy, it’s something I’ll never forget,” she wrote. Acknowledging that she didn’t meet her target time, Archer added, “My time wasn’t what I came here to do, BUT … before we judge, it was HOT. Bloody hot!”The backlash highlighted the double standards female athletes still face. While Archer’s outfit aligns with what women in elite track and long-distance running have worn for decades, it became a focal point for criticism. One comment read: “Crazy how the guys can do this not in a bikini.” Another implied men perform better because they wear more clothes.Supporters quickly rallied behind Archer. “Anyone moaning about what you’re wearing doesn’t understand the magnitude of running a marathon in 2 and a half hours,” one fan wrote. Another added, “As if you’ve ran a marathon in that incredible time and people are choosing to comment on your clothing… Girl you’re amazing and I’m inspired.” Others praised her fitness: “If I had abs like yours I would wear that daily. Not just on race days.” One user offered genuine curiosity: “What is the reason for the bikini-like bottoms… why are they better than running shorts?”Archer’s experience fits into a broader discussion about gender bias in athletics. Despite progress, societal expectations about women’s appearances persist. According to 2023 data, 97% of women believe they are judged on how they look, and 61% have received negative comments or abuse about their appearance.In closing her Instagram post, Archer emphasized her mindset: “I came for a time, and I fell short. I also came to NOT give up, and I absolutely didn’t.” Her performance, determination, and response to critics reinforce her status not only as an elite athlete but also as a voice against outdated norms in sport.