The One-Shoe Dynasty
Read the storyNew regulations regarding sportswear were introduced across all women's sports: every female athlete is required to have one bare foot while the other remains covered. Additionally, the stands must be empty and the playing fields or stadiums small. This was decreed by a billionaire artist who took over women's sports to realize her own twisted vision—driven by her habit of wearing only one shoe to showcase her bare foot and the foot-care products she markets. Her corporations, which dominate the women's foot-care industry, seized control of the sport; while the athletes accepted the high salaries offered, they had to agree to compete wearing only one shoe—a condition met without objection. In the sledding event (filmed from the woman's POV), we see one foot covered; an interesting technique is employed where, once the athlete reaches sufficient speed, the shoe and sock slide off to reveal the bare foot while the other remains shod. The shoe and sock are tethered to the sled to prevent loss. Another change involves the tracks, which are long; there are no spectator stands—even a billionaire has to watch her costs—and the coach maintains contact with the athlete, who communicates using her toes.