Nike’s Team USA track and field kit for women is facing backlash from athletes who deem it unnecessarily revealing and sexist, following the unveiling of outfits for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Several women athletes have expressed discontent over the images released on Thursday, depicting the women’s kit on a mannequin with a very high-cut pantyline. They argue that this design choice prioritizes aesthetics over functionality.
“They are absolutely not made for performance,” stated U.S. steeplechaser Colleen Quigley in a message to Reuters.
The issue of revealing attire for women Olympians has been a longstanding debate across various disciplines such as beach volleyball and gymnastics. Some changes have been witnessed, with Germany’s women’s gymnastics team donning full-length bodysuits at the Tokyo Olympics as a statement against sexualization in the sport. Additionally, Gymnastics New Zealand recently updated its attire rules to permit women and girls to wear shorts or leggings over their leotards.
In response to the criticism, Nike emphasized that it’s offering unitard options with both briefs and shorts for this Olympics, whereas only briefs were offered for the Tokyo Olympics.
Nike’s track and field kits encompass nearly 50 apparel pieces and 12 competition styles for specific events, the brand highlighted upon launching the outfits.
Nike-sponsored pole vaulter Katie Moon raised concerns about the kit displayed on the mannequin but noted that women athletes have multiple options for attire. She personally prefers briefs to shorts.
A spokesperson for USA Track & Field clarified that athlete options and choices were pivotal in the planning process with Nike.
During the launch show in Paris, U.S. middle-distance runner Athing Mu and U.S. sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson showcased Nike’s Olympic kits. Mu wore briefs, while Richardson sported a version with shorts.
Quigley insisted that Nike should provide custom tailoring for athletes who make the team to ensure a perfect fit.
“Our bodies are all different, and it seems silly to expect us to compete at the highest level of our sport without a properly fit uniform,” she remarked.
Nike assured Reuters that tailors will be available for Olympic and Paralympic athletes this year.
