Nike’s unveiling of the new track and field uniforms for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics has ignited a significant online debate. Critics are raising concerns about potential sexism in the design of the performance wear, particularly regarding the women’s kit. This controversy erupted after the brand showcased the uniforms on Thursday, prompting widespread discussion across social media platforms and within the athletic community.
Initial Reactions and Uniform Details
The controversy began when Citius Mag, a track and field publication, shared images of the men’s and women’s uniforms. The women’s uniform design, featuring a high-cut leotard silhouette, immediately drew attention and sparked criticism. While the 2024 kits maintain the traditional red, white, and blue color scheme reminiscent of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, the focus quickly shifted to the design’s cut and perceived implications for female athletes.
!Team USA’s Anna Cockrell models Nike’s Paris 2024 track and field kit. Nike
Team USA athlete Anna Cockrell modeling the Nike track and field uniform for the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing the controversial design.
Athlete Backlash and Concerns
The revealing nature of the women’s uniform design prompted immediate reactions from prominent athletes. American long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall, a Tokyo Games competitor, voiced her surprise on Instagram, commenting, “Wait my hoo haa is gonna be out.” Queen Harrison Claye, a U.S. hurdler and Olympian, sarcastically questioned European Wax Center about sponsoring Team USA, highlighting the perceived impracticality of the design.
Paralympic runner Jaleen Roberts further emphasized concerns about functionality, stating, “This mannequin is standing still and everything’s showing… imagine MID FLIGHT.” Steeplechaser Colleen Quigley, an Olympic hopeful for Team USA, echoed these sentiments in a Reuters interview, asserting that the unitard is “absolutely not made for performance.”
Lauren Fleshman, a retired track star and coach with multiple national championships, offered a strong critique on Instagram. She described the revealing uniform as “a costume born of patriarchal forces that are no longer welcome or needed to get eyes on women’s sports,” urging for an end to making things “harder for half the population.”
!Team USA’s Athing Mu models Nike’s Paris 2024 track and field kit.
Athing Mu, Team USA athlete, presents the Nike Olympic track and field kit for Paris 2024, highlighting the variety of uniform options available.
Defense of Nike and Uniform Options
Despite the criticism, some athletes have defended Nike, emphasizing the range of uniform choices available to Team USA members. Pole vaulter Katie Moon, a Nike-sponsored Olympic gold medalist, clarified on Instagram that athletes have “at least 20 different combinations of a uniform to compete in,” including options similar to the men’s kits.
Moon acknowledged the initial mannequin presentation was “concerning” but stressed that criticizing the “buns and crop top” as sexist could undermine women’s choices to wear such designs when various options exist. Her perspective highlights the importance of athlete agency and the availability of diverse uniform styles.
Nike and USATF Response
In response to the growing controversy, Nike issued a statement to ABC News, clarifying that the unitard is “one of a range of styles” offered to athletes. The brand also mentioned tailoring services would be available at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
USA Track & Field (USATF) also addressed the issue with ABC News, stating that the showcased outfits are “only two of many options, including 50 unique pieces,” athletes can select from for the Olympics. USATF emphasized that “athlete options and choices were the driving force” in their planning with Nike and that Nike consulted athletes during 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, wearing Team USA Olympic sportswear and discussing the 2024 track and field uniforms.
Navigating the Controversy
The Us Olympic Uniform Controversy underscores ongoing discussions about sexism and athlete representation in sports apparel. While Nike and USATF emphasize athlete choice and a wide range of options, initial reactions highlight concerns about the portrayal and practicality of the women’s uniform design. The dialogue initiated by athletes and the public will likely continue as the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, prompting further examination of performance wear and its impact on athletes’ experiences and perceptions.
