‘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.
Operation Sindoor
IC-814 hijacking mastermind Abdul Rauf Azhar killed in Op Sindoor
Pahalgam attack: India flays Pak for opposing TRF mention in UN statement
Did Pak shoot down Indian jets? What MEA said
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.'
Archer Responds to Backlash with Defiance
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
, 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!'
Double Standards and Online Support
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?'
A Broader Issue in Women's Sport
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Ralph Ineson claims female directors are better; shares creative and behavioral differences: "There's less untamed aggression..."
Ralph Ineson , 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' actor, claims females are incredibly calm and better directors than the males, who project their untamed aggression on the sets. Comparing the synergy, the 55-year-old British actor said the creative differences and behavioural patterns are strikingly apparent. Ralph Ineson hails the female directors In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ineson opened up about how he likes to work with female directors. 'I often find the sets are calmer, a nicer place to be, but also full of reflection. There's less untamed aggression, as there sometimes can be with men directors,' he said, while talking about addressing a conversation about beauty standards and double standards. Ralph Ineson recently worked with Ondine Viñao for the recent film 'Two Neighbour.' Appreciating the director, he narrated the ambience on the set, suggesting that she lend a helping hand and supportive push. 'This was fiery in a creative way, not in a shouty way. She's a constant [source] of creative energy, so that energy created a really good set,' she said, before adding, 'It was a creatively vibrant set rather than a, sometimes on a male-directed set, [where] the creative energy can be a little manic. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo ' About 'Two Neighbours' and his role 'Two Neighbours,' inspired by 'Avaricious and Envious,' revolves around a wealthy socialite and a struggling writer, who are brought together at a New York party. The dark comedy then sees a jump to a supernatural world after the satirical conversation about greed leads to the welcoming of a Genie, which is played by Ralph Ineson. Talking about his character, the 55-year-old said, 'He's from hell, he's a dark entity of sorts. But he's also kind of bored in the film,' before adding, 'I don't think the concept of any mortal gratification is of real interest to him — it's more the fun or the curiosity he has in manipulating and puppeting these ridiculous people that he comes across.' "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
'Prince Andrew was horrible to staff': Bombshell revelations in new documentary—what did the royal biographer claim?
Duke of York Prince Andrew mistreated his staff members and will summon his protection officer or maids to pick up his golf balls or tissues to pick that up, the royal biographer Andrew Lonie claimed in one of the episodes in Channel 5's documentary, Andrew and Fergie: The Duke and Duchess of Excess. The new documentary goes into the lives of Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, exploring their relationship, lavish lifestyle, business ventures, Ferguson's financial struggles, and their controversial links to Jeffrey Epstein, as per Express UK reported. During the episode, royal biographer Lonie said, "Andrew was particularly horrible to staff; he doesn't seem to see them as normal people. He treats them as basically subordinates to be bossed around. I think he's very narcissistic and everything is about him." Lonie further added, "He'll summon his protection officer to pick up his golf balls after he's teed them down the fairway, he will summon maids from four floors down to open the curtains. He will drop tissues he's used on the floor and expect people to pick that up." The documentary continued: "Andrew has not commented on the new claims about his behaviour towards staff." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo These bombshells were exposed in a new book about the disgraced royal and his family, "The Rise and Fall Of The House of York", by Andrew Lownie. Earlier this year, it was also reported that the Duke had previously asked for a member of staff to be moved because he "disliked a mole on the man's face." This claim was made by royal author Tom Quinn, who wrote about the royal's temper in "The Times". He penned: "It's true that some royals can display acts of ill temper. One former servant recalled how Prince Andrew insisted on a member of staff being transferred because he disliked a mole on the man's face. " Andrew Lownie's scathing book about Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson was released last week. Quinn added: "Speaking of Andrew, that another former servant asked for a man to be 'moved to other duties for wearing a nylon tie.'" Ahead of Andrew Lonie's book release, sources close to the Duke of York reacted to the allegations which surfaced and claimed: "It would be totally inaccurate to say they are devastated or heartbroken by the book, or any of this c***. There are absolutely no new revelations—it's just a rehash of things already said brought together in one place. The family used to wonder when this would ever end; now they know it never will. It's just, the tide comes in and the tide goes out," the insider added to the "Daily Beast". Meanwhile, a source close to Fergie, as she is affectionately known, said the family have been "pilloried and bullied" by the British press for years and are "well used to it by now. "
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Pin it to win it: The brooch makes a bold comeback
In a July 2025 article in The Financial Times , Frank Everett, Sotheby's vice chair of jewellery, proclaimed that the brooch is back. Everett has been talking about the return of the brooch for a decade now but this time round, he says, it is legit. Even as you remain skeptical, there's one area that the brooch seems to have pinned its hopes on: the men's suits. The Met Gala 2025 was a parade of brooches as attendees pinned the theme 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' with a brooch. Punctuating most of the slick lapels, stylists called it the breakout trend of the night. At the Oscars again, brooches were front and centre. Independence Day 2025 Modi signals new push for tech independence with local chips Before Trump, British used tariffs to kill Indian textile Bank of Azad Hind: When Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose gave India its own currency Stylist and image consultant Rishi Raj—a self-confessed brooch addict— says that brooches are having a moment because people are craving individuality, especially men, who are finally embracing adornment in a big way. He says, 'For men, a brooch is the perfect gateway into jewellery. It's less intimidating than wearing a necklace or earrings.' The red carpet visibility has also created acceptability. Getty Images Shah Rukh Khan at the Met Gala 2025. The actor, heavily laden with chains and ring stacks, wore a brooch that stood out among all the bijouterie. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Remember Him? Sit Down Before You See What He Looks Like Now 33 Bridges Undo International jewellery houses are keen to bring men into the jewellery fold, a reason why we see brooches on the red carpet. But brooches have been around since the Bronze Age when men used pins of flint or metal to fasten cloaks and tunics. By the 19th century, they were worn purely for ornamentation. Fashion historians note that brooches went out of style in the 1960s. Of late, though, editorials are full of 'ten ways to wear a brooch' hacks. Live Events Jewellery designer Roma Narsinghani , who founded her eponymous label in 2018, says brooches today are more than just a fashion trend, they're a cultural mood. People want pieces that tell a story and connects them to something bigger, she notes. 'Brooches have been part of so many traditions: royal regalia in Europe, ceremonial pins in Asia, talismans in different cultures. They've always carried meaning, and I think right now, that's what people are craving—objects that feel personal and storied.' Narsinghani also attributes the rise to men wanting to experiment with personal style. To tackle damaging a garment, she reintroduced button covers, something you used to see back in the 50s. This can also help you double your brooches as buttons. 'If I look back from 2019 to now, there's def i nitely more openness to wearing brooches, and across genders.' TACKING ON Kolkata-based jewellery designer Eina Ahluwalia has noticed an uptick in demand for her monogram brooches. 'Jewellery is experiencing a vintage mood revival. Brooches are feeling fresh again, and they are the perfect gender-neutral accessory.' Ahluwalia says they get requests for customised brooches. 'I see a lot of people adding brooches to their bags, and I find that much more interesting than hanging a Labubu !' Even Tribe Amrapali, a brand known for traditional jewellery, has noticed a steady growth in this category. CEO Akanksha Arora says many factors are at play: first, the way we look at jewellery is changing—it's now about self-expression; second, vintage culture is having a strong moment; people want pieces with history, or at least something that feels like it could be passed down. Delhi-based accessories designer Paulami Saha works with fabrics but started making brooches to repurpose textile waste. 'I hadn't imagined that there existed an audience who might shy away from traditional jewellery, yet embrace brooches as their signature statement. This was a revelation.' The dog and cat designs are their current bestsellers. Saha says brooches are a playful accessory that can turn any outfit into a conversation starter. Kanika Suri, director of Noida-based premium accessories label Tossido, says 2025 has seen a significant revival in brooches. 'For us, the shift started post-Covid,' she says. It's not about only the big pieces but there's a lot of creativity around placement and layering. Their bestsellers are the animal brooches, enamel and studded florals, and pins with bugs. Tossido's brooches range from Rs 699 to Rs 2,259. The choice of brooch depends on what you are wearing. Co-director Raghav Suri says, 'A bandhgala often calls for more classic, vintage-style brooches, while you can wear quirky ones over a casual blazer.' BE A LITTLE 'EXTRA' Vandana M Jagwani, founder, Vandals and creative director of Mahesh Notandass, says the brooch revival is rooted in history and puts men front and centre of wearing jewellery—something they did quite regularly traditionally. She adds, 'At the moment, men seem to be embracing brooches more than women. However, wearing a brooch every day still feels a bit 'extra' for most.' But that 'extra' is what Raj says will make a powerful style statement as he calls them 'little personality injections'. Brooches are surprisingly versatile. His advice? For work, pick sleek, small, geometric shapes or initials and place on your blazer lapel, shirt placket, or the base of a tie knot. For evenings, go for oversized florals, gem-encrusted pieces, or sculptural designs or layer two smaller ones together. For daily wear, go for quirky or personalised pins on denim jackets, sweaters, or tote straps. He says: 'Always pin through a reinforced area like a lapel, seam, or double layer of fabric to prevent sagging or damage. For heavy brooches, add a backing disc or hidden safety pin inside the garment for support.' The modern brooch is a free spirit: you can wear it on your shirts, waistbands, cinch or gather fabric on dresses or tunics, on any headgear and even clipped to chains, Raj says. Vinayak Modani , founder of Jaipurbased contemporary accessories brand Milk & Whisky, says people seek quirky picks with something unique like their stock market pin with a bull fighting a bear. He says, 'One should invest in a brooch box with a mix of brooches in various sizes and finishes.' What excites Arora is the trend of layering multiple brooches together like curating your own mini gallery on your outfit. Her tip: 'Start your collection with versatile, mediumsized pieces that work with multiple outfits. A classic floral, a geometric form, and something with a pop of colour make a great starter set.' Raj calls them wearable art—they don't need sizing and transcend trends. His starter pack would include something classic (gold, silver, gemstone); something statement (oversized, sculptural) and something quirky/ personal. Looks for quality clasps and solid construction, he says. Narsinghani says that people are getting much more experimental with how they wear brooches—on shirt collars, sari pleats, belts, hats, handbags, even on the back of a dress. As Raj says, 'The brooch was always underrated.' It's time to pin it up.
