Pole‑vault champion Polina Konoroz called Sydney Sweeney's ad "indecent". The comment followed the video's viral spread on Friday.
Who: Polina Konoroz, Russia's pole‑vault champion, voiced criticism on Friday, September 22, 2026, about a commercial featuring American actress Sydney Sweeney in a semi‑nude setting.
What: In a brief Instagram post, she called the ad "indecent" and "incompatible with sport values," urging athletes to choose partnerships that respect ethical standards.
When: The video went viral on social platforms during the summer of 2026; Konoroz’s statement was released early morning Moscow time.
Where: The ad was shot in Los Angeles for the U.S. brand "LuxeFit" and aired on YouTube and Instagram.
Reactions
- Russian fans rallied behind Konoroz, insisting athletes should be role models.
- Some netizens argued that athletes should stay out of entertainment debates, deeming the comment out of scope.
- Actresses and women's‑rights advocates said the ad promotes an unrealistic body image.
The Russian Athletics Federation has not issued an official response, though several athletes posted short supportive tweets.
The incident underscores the growing overlap between sport and advertising, reigniting the debate over how far athletes should engage in media controversies.
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