Nike is once again the subject of controversy following the release of Team USA's track and field uniforms for the 2024 Olympics. The unveiling of these uniforms has sparked criticism regarding the women's kit design, particularly concerning their revealing nature, despite being scientifically crafted for optimal performance.
According to Nike's Vice President of Apparel Innovation, Janett Nichol, the track and field kits were meticulously constructed in the Nike Sports Research Lab using athlete data. Nichol told CBS Sports: "On the apparel side, why it's a game-changer for us, is because we've now been able to take athlete insights, along with data and use that algorithm to create something that allows us to get to a level of specificity, fidelity and accuracy that we've never been able to do before."
Nike's Team USA track and field kit for women is needlessly revealing and sexist, women athletes have said after the U.S. sportswear brand unveiled its outfits for this summer's Olympic Games. https://t.co/Pg5VtAp1eX https://t.co/Pg5VtAp1eX
— Reuters Sports (@ReutersSports) April 13, 2024
Utilizing body scanning and motion-capturing technology, Nike aimed to tailor the uniforms to each athlete's unique physique. The company even introduced specialized kits for track and field athletes reaching event finals, featuring fabric prints representing a runner's body in motion.
Images of the new uniforms posted by the running publication Citius Mag sparked a wave of critiques, with many calling out Nike for their lack of consideration for the women's kit. The US national champion in the 5000m in 2006 and 2010 Lauren Fleshman, shared her thoughts on the kits in an Instagram post, stating: “I’m sorry, but show me one WNBA or NWSL team who would enthusiastically support this kit. This is for Olympic Track and Field. Professional athletes should be able to compete without dedicating brain space to constant pube vigilance or the mental gymnastics of having every vulnerable piece of your body on display. Women’s kits should be in service to performance, mentally and physically. If this outfit was truly beneficial to physical performance, men would wear it.”
BREAKING: Here's your first look at the new @Nike kits that will be worn by the U.S. track and field team at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. pic.twitter.com/XPWOnBrwsv
— CITIUS MAG (@CitiusMag) April 11, 2024
"This is not an elite athletic kit for track and field. This is a costume born of patriarchal forces that are no longer welcome or needed to get eyes on women’s sports. ... Stop making it harder for half the population @nike @teamusa @usatf.”
World Championships long jump silver medalist Tara Davis-Woodhall also humorously expressed her apprehension commenting, "Wait my hoo haa is gonna be out."
Nike said in an email to Reuters that there is a range of options available to athletes, including unitard options with both briefs and shorts. The brand also assured that tailors will be available for Olympic and Paralympic athletes to ensure proper fitting of the uniforms.
The debate over revealing outfits for female Olympians underscores ongoing discussions about gender equality and representation in sports, raising questions about the balance between performance and aesthetics in athletic attire. As athletes continue to advocate for inclusivity and functionality in sports apparel, the controversy surrounding Nike's track and field uniforms serves as a reminder of the broader societal conversations shaping the sporting landscape.
