On April 11, 2024, anticipation was high as Nike revealed Team USA’s much-awaited uniforms for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology like body scanning and motion capture, Nike aimed to create uniforms that fit athletes – including Paralympians – perfectly. They’re what Nike’s Vice President of Apparel Innovation, Janett Nichol, said would be a “moment for apparel.” The unveiling sure was a “moment,” but not how Nichol must’ve pictured it…

Besides the standard uniforms for everyone, Nike designed specialized kits exclusively for track and field athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson, Noah Lyles, and the Titans, who will likely compete in the final events. The kit featured a red and blue ombre look for the men and a striking purple leotard with lines for the women. Despite Nike’s efforts to innovate, the reaction from fans online was less than enthusiastic. And adding to that disappointment was Lyles.

As many criticized the outfits for their perceived lack of originality, comparing them to those worn previously by Great Britain and describing them as the “ugliest” among recent Olympic uniforms, X account Beau Throws shared a series of pictures of past USA kits, asking, “Which USA Olympic uniform are you wearing?🎽” The options spanned decades, from 1968 to 2024. Among the choices were iconic designs, each evoking memories of past Olympic glory. In an unexpected twist, the 2023 World Champion chimed in with his preference, snubbing the 2024 Nike outfits in favor of the “2004 and 2012” designs.

Lyles’s comment not only highlighted his personal style preference but also sparked a conversation about the memorable uniforms of the past. The 2004 US Olympic track and field team sported white and blue uniforms with roomy pockets at the Athens Games, while the 2012 London Olympics saw athletes donning striking all-red tracksuits, which made a bold statement on the world stage. While he didn’t have the honor of sporting those iconic kits, Lyles’ seeming dislike towards the 2024 uniform did underscore something important.

After an impressive start to the 2024 season, Noah Lyles declared, “We’re coming after everything. All the Olympic medals. I don’t care who wants it. It’s mine.” Although there’s no doubt that the 26-year-old is as confident in his abilities as ever, his “2004 and 2012” remark highlighted the enduring impact of Olympic fashion and the significance of athletes feeling confident when the world is watching. And that’s precisely what many Team USA female athletes addressed when Nike unveiled the uniforms.

Team USA’s track and field kits are “absolutely not made for performance”

After images of the women’s track and field team’s kits were made public, one of the first to criticize it was Lauren Fleshman, the US national champion in the 5000m in 2006 and 2010. Posting a picture of the uniforms on Instagram, they wrote, “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 the mental gymnastics of having every vulnerable piece of your body on display.”

Calling the design out for its patriarchal and sexist undertones, they added, “If this outfit was truly beneficial to physical performance, men would wear it. 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.” Adding to this discussion was steeplechaser Colleen Quigley.

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In a message to Reuters, Quigley said, “They are absolutely not made for performance. Our bodies are all different, and it seems silly to expect us to compete at the highest level of our sport without a properly fit uniform.” This brought back the point of feeling confident while competing and not having to go up against your opponents, as well as your self-consciousness.

Amidst this controversy, Nike told Reuters that it would have tailors available for Olympic and Paralympic athletes in Paris. What are your thoughts on Team USA’s uniform for the 2024 Olympics?

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