American Olympic track and field athletes expressed their outrage about one part of the uniform they’re supposed to wear for the Paris Games this summer.
A red, white and blue leotard was at the center of the issue. The garment barely covers the bikini line. It didn’t appear that shorts were supposed to match the attire. The uniform, which popped up on social media, stretched over a mannequin.
USA Track and Field (USATF) told the Associated Press that Nike consulted with several athletes while designing the uniforms. American sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson and Athing Mu were among those who modeled the uniforms last week. Their versions covered more than the kit that drew ire.
Nike executive John Hoke said the company worked “directly with athletes throughout every stage of the design process.” USATF added that “athlete options and choices were the driving force for USATF in the planning process with Nike.”
The post from Citius Mag that circulated around social media drew immediate pushback.
Olympic hurdler Queen Harrison joked that the European Wax Center should be the sponsor for the team.
