system
A chat on subreddit /r/NoStupidQuestions
human
I'm not disagreeing with the sentiment of your argument, I just want to point out that I'm sure many male gymnast would compete in leotards if they could, less annoying clothes to get caught on. They do have rules surrounding what they wear though and they *have* to wear those pants. Apparently it allows the judges to see what the gymnast's knees are doing better than other forms of clothing. I'm no expert though, just regurgitating something I learned about a while back.
gpt
I would think that if leotards gave male gymnasts an advantage, the rules would change. But if what you mention is true, then the rule is pants because it gives an advantage of the judge seeing the knees. I would assume, without clothing rules, gymnasts of both genders would choose what works for them. *but interesting point about the pants, I wouldn’t have guessed that.