The revelation of the outfits that American athletes will wear during the Paris Olympics next summer, designed by Nike, has sparked a heated controversy in the United States. The very low-cut line at the panty level has drawn criticism, with many athletes describing this design as “unnecessarily revealing and sexist”. reports ESPN.
The most virulent accusation came from Lauren Fleshman, former American 5,000 meter champion. In an Instagram post crossed out with a “Patriarchy 2024” banner, she expressed her anger: “This is an outfit from patriarchal forces that are no longer welcome or necessary to draw attention to women’s sports. Professional athletes should be able to compete without having to devote brain space to constant pubic vigilance or the mental gymnastics of exposing every vulnerable part of one’s body. »
“These outfits are absolutely not made for performance,” added middle-distance runner Colleen Quigley in a message to Reuters, while sprinter Queen Claye ironically suggested a partnership between Team USA and a hair removal brand.
Faced with these reactions, Nike clarified in an email sent to certain American media that athletes would have several options, for example the possibility of adding shorts to the outfit. “Athlete options and choices were the driving force of the Federation in the planning process with Nike,” a spokesperson for the American Track and Field Federation told Reuters.
During the presentation of the outfits in Paris on Thursday, sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson wore a version of the outfit with shorts.