PARIS — U.S. track and field athletes will have to choose from about 40 outfits when assembling their Olympic uniforms. The one that's gotten the most attention is the high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line, with some people thinking it's sexist and others claiming they don't need the internet to see if they're wearing a good uniform. is causing debate between.
Those who criticized or laughed at the uniforms included athletes from other countries such as Paralympic athlete Femita Ayambek, sprinter Britton Wilson and even Britain's Abigail Irozulu. , some people on social media wondered, “Did anyone use female athletes as inspiration for this team uniform?”
Answer: Yes.
USA Track and Field said uniform maker Nike consulted with several athletes when designing the uniforms, which were unveiled in Paris last week. Those taking part in the development included world champion sprinter Shakari Richardson and Olympic gold medalist Ashing Mu, who wore versions of the kit that attracted much attention. I was wearing it.
In response to a request for comment from The Associated Press, Nike sent a statement quoting company executive John Hawk, who said the company “worked directly with athletes at every step of the design process.”
USATF supported this, saying, “Athletes' choices and choices were the driving force for USATF in the planning process with Nike.”
Katie Moon, a Nike sponsor and defending Olympic pole vault champion, was Nike's most ardent defender on social media. She prefaced her post by saying that the leotards depicted on mannequins were “concerning and warranted to elicit a reaction.”
However, she said there are at least 20 different uniform combinations for women to choose from for competition, as well as styles made for men.
“When you attack buns and crop tops by calling them 'sexist' (which you would do if that was our only option), even if it was well-intentioned. But ultimately you're attacking our decision. Women should wear it too,” she said.
Nike has previously been at the center of another uniform controversy. Several Major League Baseball players complained about the fit of the new Nike Vapor He Premier during spring training. Nike has been designing MLB uniforms since 2020 and Fanatics has been manufacturing them since 2017, but this is the first year Nike has produced his Vapor Premier jerseys.
