Paris Olympics US Track and Field Team Uniforms Revealed
Female Uniforms Expose Hips... "Sexual Objectification" Criticized
Nike Says "One of Many Options, Choice Available"
The competition uniforms that American female track and field athletes will wear at the upcoming Paris Olympics in July have come under criticism for being sexist. The design, resembling a swimsuit, reveals the entire area from the hips to the legs, making it difficult to even cover underwear, and is said to sexualize women.
According to The Guardian and others on the 13th (local time), the U.S. track and field team’s uniforms were unveiled at the 'Nike Air Innovation Summit' held in Paris, France, on the 11th. The women's uniforms designed in the form of 'high-cut swimsuits' immediately drew criticism. Hurdler Colleen Quigley said, "These uniforms were never made for performance." Former U.S. national team member Lauren Fleshman also pointed out on social media, "Athletes should be able to focus on competition without the burden of exposing sensitive body parts," adding, "If these clothes were truly functional, men should wear them too."
Netizens who saw the uniforms responded critically, saying things like, "I hope the U.S. Track and Field Federation supports waxing costs due to body exposure," "Have you talked to women about this design?" "There is no functional reason for women to have less fabric than men in the same sport," and "Women deserve to wear shorts too."
In response to the controversy, pole vaulter Katie Moon said, "It’s a legitimate concern," but also stated, "Choosing competition uniforms is the athlete’s freedom." She added, "There are more than 20 top and bottom combinations available, and if desired, athletes can wear men's uniforms. I prefer underwear-style bottoms that are not tight. Whether wearing a burlap sack or a swimsuit, we should support the athlete’s choice of attire."
Nike also explained to The New York Times that "the uniforms revealed in Paris are only a part." A Nike representative said, "The uniforms shown are just two of the options Nike can provide to Olympic athletes," explaining, "There are about 50 uniforms in total for male and female athletes, and 12 styles finely tuned for specific events."
They added, "Women can choose shorts, crop tops or tank tops, and bodysuits in shorts style," and "Nike consults with numerous athletes at every stage of designing the uniforms." Other uniforms are scheduled to be unveiled at the 'U.S. Olympic Committee Media Summit' starting on the 15th.
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