Gabby Thomas, an incredible women’s sprinter, recently made headlines with her opinion on Nike’s new U.S. women’s track and field uniforms for the upcoming Paris Olympics. When she first saw a photo of the high-cut unitard, she was shocked, expressing her preference for running in as little clothing as possible. However, following studying the image for some time, Thomas relaxed and assured everyone that there was nothing to worry regarding.
The unveiling of Nike’s new track uniforms sparked a lot of conversation, with the focus primarily on the high-cut unitard. Running publication Citius posted a picture of the unitard on Instagram alongside a male one-piece uniform with longer legs, which led to immediate social media backlash. It also raised important questions regarding the sexualization and objectification of female athletes through their uniforms.
Several athletes, including Olympic hurdler Queen Harrison Claye and Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, expressed their concerns regarding the uniform. However, upon further review, athletes stated that the shape of the mannequin or the angle of the photo distorted how the uniforms actually fit on athletes. Long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall mentioned that the unitards look different on athletes compared to the mannequin and attributed it to a poor choice of the photo for the post.
Despite the opinions surrounding the uniform, it is important to note that athletes have the option to choose from four variations, including traditional and tightfitting compression shorts. Thomas even mentioned that women might opt to wear the men’s uniform if desired. Nike takes significant input from its sponsored athletes when designing track uniforms, inviting them to provide feedback on styles they prefer. The company also ensures that the products serve the needs of athletes, allowing them to perform their best while feeling comfortable in what they are wearing.
Jordana Katcher, Nike’s vice president for global sports apparel, emphasized that Nike designs for a variety of body types, all abilities, and both men and women. The aim is to create uniforms that align with athletes’ preferences and suit different body types and track and field disciplines. Katcher mentioned that several female track and field athletes have specifically requested the unitard.
Nike’s sponsorship deal with USA Track & Field ensures that all American track athletes must wear some version of its uniform at the Olympics, regardless of individual sponsorship agreements. Despite this, the athletes have a variety of options to choose from, allowing them to select what makes them most comfortable and enhances their performance. Davis-Woodhall, for example, plans to wear the one-piece suit because it provides her with a full range of motion. Thomas, on the other hand, prefers a crop top and bikini briefs due to the freedom of movement they offer.
While the discussion surrounding Nike’s track uniforms continues, it is essential to consider the implications and the evolving trends within the sports industry. The controversy raised by the unitard’s design brings attention to the larger issue of how female athletes are perceived and treated. The conversation regarding the sexualization and objectification of female athletes is not new, but it highlights the need for continued progress in ensuring that uniforms respect and represent athletes’ preferences and bodies.
Looking ahead, it is likely that the sports industry will continue to prioritize inclusivity and consideration for diverse body types and personal preferences. The demand for comfortable and performance-enhancing garments will drive innovation in sports apparel design. Brands like Nike will continue to engage with athletes and seek their input, fostering a collaborative relationship that leads to better and more inclusive uniform options.
As the Tokyo Olympics approaches, it will be interesting to see how athletes, brands, and the sports industry as a whole respond to the ongoing conversation around uniforms and the representation of female athletes. It is crucial to empower athletes to express their opinions and preferences, creating an environment where they can feel confident and comfortable while pursuing their sporting goals.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Nike’s high-cut unitard highlights the larger issue of how female athletes are portrayed through their uniforms. The conversation initiated by athletes like Gabby Thomas serves as a reminder for the sports industry to prioritize inclusivity and consider the preferences and needs of athletes from diverse backgrounds. With ongoing advancements and collaboration, the future of sports apparel promises to be more inclusive and empowering for athletes of all genders.
