What’s the best way to proceed after introducing three-time gold medallist Aly Raisman to stage? Ask her about how it felt to win Olympic gold? Or about competing on the same team as Simone Biles? Or maybe her work with Unicef? If you’re hall of fame hockey star Marcel Dionne, it appears vital to talk about her legs.

Raisman and Dionne appeared together at the NHL awards show to present the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship. After saying their hellos, the 65-year-old Dionne gestured towards Raisman and said: “Look at those legs!” Raisman laughed awkwardly as Dionne’s comment was greeted by boos, as well as a few whistles from the crowd.

We have an @Aly_Raisman sighting at the #NHLAwards. And yes. Old is legendary. pic.twitter.com/KiwXVTbNxM — Renato Mazariegos (@RPMSports18) June 22, 2017

Introductions at awards ceremonies are often scripted, so the fault may not be with Dionne. However, the fact that Raisman was at the receiving end of the comments was particularly jarring. The 23-year-old has spoken out consistently about the way female bodies are discussed in society. In May, she criticized an airport worker who had questioned whether she was muscular enough to be a gymnast.

Raisman won gold medals at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics. Dionne retired from the NHL in 1989 after an 18-year career that took in spells with Detroit, Los Angeles and the New York Rangers.

• This article was amended on 23 June 2017 to correct a spelling of Marcel Dionne’s surname.

