Shot put athlete Chase Jackson sparked discussions regarding Team USA’s Olympic uniforms at the Paris 2024 Games. In an Instagram Story, Jackson expressed her initial distress about the sizing of her provided apparel, bringing attention to Ralph Lauren, the official designer for Team USA, and Skims, the lingerie partner for the Olympics.
Jackson’s initial social media post highlighted her emotional reaction to the uniform situation upon arriving in Paris. This quickly resonated with fans who voiced concerns about Ralph Lauren’s sizing inclusivity for Olympic athletes. While Nike also received initial mentions, Jackson later clarified in another Story that Nike had adequately provided for her, stating, “At least @nike takes care of me, right?”
Chase Jackson's Instagram Story about Olympic uniform sizing issues
However, the narrative shifted as Chase Jackson addressed the developing controversy. She removed her initial Instagram Stories and issued a subsequent clarification. In this follow-up, Jackson explained that while there was an initial issue with her uniform sizes upon arrival, all brands, including Ralph Lauren, did indeed carry her size. She attributed the initial problem to a “logistics” error, assuring her supporters that the matter had been resolved and “everything was good.”
Clarifying the Olympic Uniform Situation
Chase Jackson elaborated further on the uniform incident, aiming to dispel any misconceptions about Ralph Lauren or Skims not providing uniforms in her size. She acknowledged the swift response from Team USA and associated partners in resolving the issue.
“Arriving and seeing wrong sizes was obviously pretty upsetting but my team here have been amazing in fixing it. The USATF/ Team USA/ Nike guys really came through yesterday and got everything swapped for me,” Jackson stated, emphasizing the prompt action taken to rectify the situation.
Jackson detailed that the root cause was an “admin error” in the system that recorded her sizes incorrectly across all brands. She reiterated that, contrary to initial impressions, all brands involved had her sizes available. The issue was not one of exclusion or lack of size options but rather an unfortunate logistical oversight.
“Turns out there was an admin error on the system that recorded all of my sizes incorrectly for all of the different brands. Just to be clear, all brands do have my size… There was no exclusion or anything, just a super unfortunate logistics nightmare,” the Olympic athlete explained, providing a transparent account of the events.
She further shared that past experiences of feeling excluded contributed to her initial reaction. The quick resolution and clarification that it was an unintentional mistake were welcomed reliefs. Jackson expressed her willingness to discuss the uniform matter further after her Olympic competitions conclude, indicating a desire to move forward and focus on her athletic performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Team USA’s Ralph Lauren Olympic Uniforms: A Closer Look
Ralph Lauren has been the official outfitter for Team USA since the 2008 Beijing Olympics. For the Paris 2024 Olympics, the uniforms designed by Ralph Lauren blend American heritage with French cultural elements.
For the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on July 26th, Team USA athletes sported formal navy blue jackets featuring red and white embroidery. These jackets, adorned with the Ralph Lauren logo, the American flag, and the Olympic insignia, were paired with white oxford shirts and faded blue jeans, creating a classic and patriotic ensemble.
The closing ceremony on August 11th will see Team USA in white blazers accented with red and navy blue stripes and the American flag on the sleeve. This will be complemented by white polo shirts and jeans, maintaining a cohesive and stylish look for the team.
Beyond the formal ceremony wear, the Olympic Village collection includes comfortable and sustainable pieces such as 100% recycled cotton polo shirts, varsity jackets, rugby shirts, and American flag sweaters. Ralph Lauren’s website highlights that this year’s collection pays homage to both French culture and Team USA’s American identity.
In conclusion, while Chase Jackson’s initial concerns regarding uniform sizing at the Paris Olympics raised valid questions, the situation was promptly addressed and clarified as a logistical error. Ralph Lauren, as the designer of the Team USA Olympic uniforms, continues to provide apparel for the athletes, blending style, patriotism, and performance for the global stage.
