U.S. track and field athletes have about 40 different outfits to choose from when assembling their uniforms for the Olympics. What is attracting the most attention is High-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line And it sparked a debate between those who think it's sexist and those who argue that we don't need the internet to see if we're wearing a good uniform.
Paralympian Femita Ayanbek was among those who criticized and laughed at the uniform. sprinter Britton Wilson Athletes from other countries, such as Great Britain's Abigail Irozuru, also wondered on social media, “Were there any female athletes that inspired this team kit?”
Answer: Yes.
USA Track and Field said uniform maker Nike consulted with several athletes when designing the uniforms, which were unveiled in Paris earlier this 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 female athletes have at least 20 different combinations of competition uniforms and can also choose 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.
— Associated Press
