American Olympic track and field athletes have expressed anger over some of the uniforms they will wear at this summer’s Paris Games.
A red, white and blue leotard was at the center of the issue. This is a garment that barely covers the bikini line. Apparently shorts didn’t go well with that outfit. The uniform posted on social media was stretched out on a mannequin.
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American athlete Shakari Richardson attends a Nike event in Paris on April 11, 2024. (Emmanuel Dunant/AFP via Getty Images)
American athlete Ashing Mu attends a Nike event in Paris on April 11, 2024. (Emmanuel Dunant/AFP via Getty Images)
USA Track and Field (USATF) told The Associated Press that Nike consulted with several athletes when designing the uniforms. American sprinters Shakari Richardson and Ashing Mu were among those who modeled the uniforms last week. Their version covered more than just the kit that sparked the outrage.
Nike executive John Hawk said the company “worked directly with athletes throughout every step of the design process.” USATF added that “athlete options and selections were the driving force in USATF’s planning process.” with nike. ”
Citius Mag’s post, which went viral on social media, quickly drew backlash.
Olympic hurdler Queen Harrison joked that the European Wax Center should sponsor the team.
Paralympic long jumper Jalene Roberts posted on Instagram: “This mannequin is stationary and everything is visible…imagine being in flight.”
For the first time at the Olympics, prize money will be given to gold medalists in track and field.
American athlete Shakari Richardson models a Nike uniform in Paris on April 11, 2024. (Emmanuel Dunant/AFP via Getty Images)
“This is a costume born of patriarchal forces, and bringing attention to women’s sports is no longer welcome or necessary,” said former track and field athlete Lauren Fleshman.
Olympic gold medalist pole vaulter Katie Moon, who is looking to defend her title in Paris, defended Nike in an Instagram post. But she added that the leotards depicted on the mannequins were “concerning and understandably there was a reaction”.
She said she and her fellow athletes have choices when it comes to clothing.
“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. We want women to wear it,” Moon wrote.
Katie Moon reacts after winning the women’s pole vault at the USATF Indoor Championships on February 17, 2024 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. (Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
“And I honestly think that on the most important day of our careers, we choose the clothes we wear to appease the men who are watching over us so that we can be the most comfortable, confident, and perform to the best of our abilities.” If so, that’s pretty unpleasant.”I personally like buns. Because I want to minimize the fabric sticking to my body when I’m hot and sweaty (which I do 99% of the time). ”
Moon added in her X post that she tried on the controversial outfit.
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“I hope this puts women’s minds at ease…I tried on the same style today, and…I didn’t have to worry about anything falling out.I think it’s just the mannequin.It feels like it’s a little more advanced than the last kit. ” Kat, I know everyone’s body is different, so that’s just my opinion. ”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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