Rio 2016: Viewers defend presenter Helen Skelton after misogynistic scrutiny over her outfit

Social media users were quick to point out the current high temperatures in Rio and the fact co-presenter Mark Foster was wearing shorts

Social media users are defending the BBC presenter Helen Skelton after she was subject to much speculation over her outfit choice while presenting the Rio Olympics.

During her coverage of the swimming events alongside Rebecca Adlington and Mark Foster late on Saturday night, Skelton’s playsuit attracted much fawning and debate.

Despite it being 2016, currently a very warm climate in Rio and her male co-presenter showing an equal amount of leg, some users suggested she “forgot her trousers” or “was on her way to a nightclub”. Others fawned over the presenter and claimed her outfit and appearance “distracted” them from events in the pool.

Now, some social media users are mocking critics by pointing out a few simple suggestions and facts.

That her outfit choice should not distract from her job:

Others mocked the fact the debate boils down to a pair of legs:

Some noted the irony over the contrasting lack of outrage over the competing swimmer's clothing:

While others mentioned former swimmer and co-presenter Foster was also wearing shorts and receiving much less attention:

Others issued a reminder of the current temperature in Rio:

Finally, there was a reminder that, as an adult, Skelton is entitled to wear whatever she wants.

A representative for Skelton did not immediately respond to a request for comment.