Nike has faced criticism from female athletes over its Team USA track and field kit for the upcoming Olympic Games, with many deeming it unnecessarily revealing and sexist. The outfits, featuring a very high-cut pantyline, were described as not being designed for performance by US steeplechaser Colleen Quigley and others. Lauren Fleshman, a former US national champion, criticized the kit on Instagram, stating that it prioritized skimpiness over functionality and that professional athletes should not have to worry about their bodies being on display. She emphasized the need for women’s kits to enhance performance both mentally and physically.
The debate over revealing outfits for female Olympians has been ongoing, with some rules on competition wear changing in response. Nike responded to the criticism by stating that it now offers athletes united options with both briefs and shorts, whereas it previously only offered briefs for the Tokyo Olympics. Despite the criticism, Nike-sponsored athletes like pole vaulter Katie Moon have expressed that they have a variety of options to choose from and that they prefer briefs over shorts.
USA Track and Field emphasized that athlete options and choices were paramount in the planning process with Nike. Athletes like US middle-distance runner Athing Mu and sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, who modeled Nike’s Olympic kits, showcased different versions of the outfit, with Mu wearing briefs and Richardson opting for shorts. Nike also mentioned that tailors will be available for Olympic and Paralympic athletes to ensure the kit fits perfectly.
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