Nike’s unveiling of the track and field uniforms for Team USA athletes at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics has ignited a social media firestorm. Critics are accusing the brand of sexism in its performance wear designs, particularly after the kits were showcased on Thursday. The controversy centers around the design of the women’s uniform, sparking debate about the representation and comfort of female athletes in Olympic sportswear.
The Uniform Design That Sparked Debate
The controversy began when Citius Mag, a track and field publication, shared images of the men’s and women’s uniforms. The women’s kit features a high-cut leotard silhouette, described as French-cut, which immediately drew criticism. While the 2024 uniforms maintain the traditional red, white, and blue color scheme reminiscent of the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, the focus quickly shifted to the perceived revealing nature of the women’s design.
Athlete Reactions: From Criticism to Defense
The athlete community responded swiftly, with reactions ranging from shock to defense of the designs. Tara Davis-Woodhall, a Team USA long jumper who competed in Tokyo, openly questioned the practicality of the design on Instagram, commenting, “Wait my hoo haa is gonna be out.” Queen Harrison Claye, a U.S. hurdler and Olympian, sarcastically tagged European Wax Center, suggesting a sponsorship opportunity, highlighting the perceived revealing nature of the uniform. Paralympic runner Jaleen Roberts echoed these concerns, stating the uniform seems revealing even on a stationary mannequin, raising questions about its suitability during athletic performance.
Team USA
Team USA’s Anna Cockrell showcases the Nike Paris 2024 track and field uniform, amidst controversy regarding design and athlete comfort.
Colleen Quigley, a steeplechaser and Olympic hopeful for Team USA in 2024, voiced strong concerns in an interview with Reuters, stating that the unitard is “absolutely not made for performance.” Lauren Fleshman, a retired track star and coach with multiple national championships, took to Instagram to call the uniform a “costume born of patriarchal forces,” arguing against the need for such designs to attract attention to women’s sports. She emphasized the need to stop creating unnecessary obstacles for female athletes.
Team USA
Team USA’s Athing Mu modeling the Nike Paris 2024 track and field kit, part of a wider range of uniform options for athletes.
However, not all athletes shared the criticism. Katie Moon, an Olympic gold medalist in pole vault and Nike-sponsored athlete, defended the brand. She clarified on Instagram that Team USA athletes have a wide array of uniform choices, approximately 20 different combinations, including options resembling the men’s kits. Moon stressed that criticizing the “buns and crop top” as inherently sexist undermines the agency of women who choose to wear them.
Nike and USATF Respond to the Uniform Debate
In response to the growing controversy, Nike issued a statement to ABC News, clarifying that the unitard is just one style within a “range of styles” available to athletes. Nike also mentioned the availability of tailoring services for Olympic and Paralympic athletes during the games, indicating a commitment to individual athlete needs and preferences.
USA Track & Field (USATF) also released a statement to ABC News, supporting Nike’s position. USATF emphasized that the presented outfits are “only two of many options,” with athletes having access to 50 unique pieces for the Olympics. The organization highlighted that “athlete options and choices were the driving force” in their planning with Nike and that Nike had consulted with athletes throughout the design process to ensure comfort and suitability for various events.
Anna Cockrell at the Nike Air Innovation Summit on April 11 in Paris, sportswear, Olympics, track and field, Team USA, 2024, athlete
Anna Cockrell at the Nike Air Innovation Summit in Paris, showcasing Nike’s Olympic sportswear and the variety available for Team USA.
A Closer Look at Athlete Choice and Performance Wear
The core of the debate lies in the balance between offering athletes choices and the potential for perceived sexism in uniform design. While Nike and USATF emphasize the variety of options and athlete consultation, the initial presentation of the high-cut unitard sparked valid concerns about body image and comfort at the highest level of athletic competition. The discussion highlights the ongoing conversation around women’s sportswear, performance needs, and how female athletes are represented in the global sports arena, especially in events as visible as the Olympics.
View Gallery of Nike Olympic Uniforms
