Olympic diver Jules Bouyer is taking home a very remarkable and unexpected award despite placing fifth in the most recent synchronized swimming tournament and failing to win any medals.
Viewers quickly noticed the athlete’s “package”—a tight pair of speedos—and many praised, mocked, and even gushed about Bouyer’s physical qualities on social media.
A well-known underwear brand noticed the trend and extended a very unusual offer to the swimmer: a lifetime supply of underwear to “protect [his] bulge.”
“It didn’t matter that we were an American company when we saw what Olympic diver Jules Bouyer was packing in his South of France,” a Shinesty spokesman stated.
An underwear company offered a French Olympic diver a “lifetime supply” of items in exchange for a sponsorship deal as he went viral over his “bulge”
Image credits: jules_bouyer
“We wanted to give that front truck of his a gold medal and keep it safe for many more Olympics.”
The athlete served as the inspiration for a completely new range of swim trucks and underpants that the company’s marketing team has already developed.
“We’re calling it ‘The Family Jules,’” Shinesty declared, emphasizing that the fictitious clothing line will include a “reinforced crotch.”
With the intention of striking an agreement with the 22-year-old swimmer, the company, which is well-known for its “Ball Hammock Pouch Underwear” line of products, has already contacted Bouyer’s family and Olympic officials.
Image credits: jules_bouyer
But Bouyer didn’t seem to be at ease with being objectified.
He reportedly stated, “I would rather people look at my dives than my swimsuit,” according to L’Est Républicain.
“A few days ago, I saw this. He went on, “If some people find it funny to look at my underwear, that’s their problem.” Having said that, we must also keep in mind that making remarks of such nature has the potential to force other athletes out of their comfort zones and impair their performance.
Jules competed in the men’s synchronized 3m springboard alongside Alexis Jandard, but they were unable to secure any medals after scoring 5th with 369 points
Image credits: jules_bouyer
Prior to the tournament, the swimmer stated in an interview with World Aquatics, “The first dream is to win a medal and do that for every person in France who watches us hopefully do the best competition possible at the Olympics.”
“My second dream, and Alexis’s as well, is to expand the diving family by adding new pools, large clubs, and small clubs, as diving isn’t that popular in France right now.”
“This is something we have been waiting for for maybe 50 years, so it’s good for French diving,” Jandard remarked, alluding to the fact that Mady Moreau’s Olympic victory in the sport came from the 1952 Games in Helsinki.
“We also want to inspire the kids watching, and now we hope that if kids see us and want to join us, they now have facilities that will allow them to do this.”
Viewers on social media decided to focus on the athlete’s attributes instead of his performance, with many joking and writing “thirsty” comments
Image credits: jules_bouyer
“I demand that a popular commission of inquiry be launched immediately to find out whether Jules Bouyer’s jersey is really too tight, or not. I propose to be its president,” said one French viewer on X.
“One academic topic in which I am extremely interested now is French diver Jules Bouyer. I find this subject very intellectually rewarding & intriguing. This subject is something I think many others would also enjoy studying,” another wrote jokingly.
“Olympic diver Jules Bouyer’s huge talent is truly eye-catching,” said one fan sarcastically.
“Jules Bouyer, a Speedo that makes you hot at the Olympics,” wrote the French paper Libération.
This is not the end of the road for Bouyer, as he is set to compete in the singles version of the event on August 6, 2024, where he’ll have another shot at Olympic glory.
