Nike defends its design of uniforms for women track team representing the US at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, which has drawn criticism from some female athletes and reignited the debate over sexism in sports.
The outfits, which were unveiled by Nike at a special event in Paris and were first published by the digital media company Citius Mag, have a high leg that barely covers the groin of their screen mannequin. The men’s version, on the other hand, provides significantly more coverage.
Commenting on Citius Mag’s post, steeplechase athlete and Olympian Colleen Quigley wrote, “I mean I still want to make the team, but….” Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, also a track athlete, also weighed in, writing: “I’m someone’s mum, I can’t expose myself in such ways.”
Added Paralympian and track athlete Jaleen Roberts, “This mannequin is standing still and everything is pointing… imagine mid-flight.”
Nike defended the look, saying it had sought input from Olympic athletes to design its range of kits for both the men’s and women’s teams heading to Paris this summer. On track kits, Nike’s Chief Innovation Officer John Hoke told one statement that the company offers athletes “a range of silhouettes tailored for different sports, body types and sizes, prioritizing performance and maximum breathability.”
Male and female track and field athletes have a dozen competition styles to choose from, Nike added, explaining that “athletes can choose clothing that matches their style and personal preferences without sacrificing comfort during the Paris Games.” . The company also said it will offer customization options.
USA Track and Field said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch that it has worked with Nike to ensure competitors had uniform options.
“USATF is also aware that Nike consulted with athletes throughout the design process to ensure that all athletes are comfortable and that the uniforms are appropriate for their respective events.” the organization said, adding that the unit that has caught fire is only one option that athletes can choose from.
Recently, Nike also teased another uniform design. The new Major League Baseball uniforms, which the company says are made of “breathable, lightweight, high-performance fabric,” are transparent enough to The jersey tags are visible when it goes into the waist of the pants. And gray uniformsmade of the same fabric, do not match the pants when soaked with sweat.
Nike said The Athlete is testing different fabrics to solve the problem, but it’s unclear if updated clothing will be released this season.