Nike faces controversy. This Thursday, the comma brand unveiled the kits that the various members of the American athletics delegation will wear for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Outfits that did not convince at all, particularly those of the athletes. The reason ? A cut that is too low-cut for the tunics intended for women. Unlike the outfits reserved for male athletes, those for women come in the form of leotards that are very tight at the bikini line and pubic area.
The anger of the athletes
Obviously not consulted by Nike for the design of this new range, a certain number of American athletes took the floor to criticize this creation and denounce a desire to favor narrowness over function. “They are absolutely not made for performance,” blamed Colleen Quingley, American middle-distance runner and world record holder in the 4×1500 meters relay, to Reuters. Our bodies are all different and it seems silly to expect us to compete at the highest level of our sport without a well-fitting uniform. »
Ironically, hurdler Queen Claye suggested choosing a hair removal brand as her new sponsor while Olympic pole vault champion Katie Moon spoke of “worrying outfits”.
“An outfit from patriarchal forces”
But the strongest criticism came from Lauren Fleshman, former athlete and American 5000 meter champion in 2006 and 2010. Sponsored by Nike during her career, the 42-year-old woman published a long text via Instagram, denouncing “an outfit from patriarchal forces that are no longer welcome or necessary to bring attention to women’s sports.”
For the former champion, “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 their body.” She also believes that “if this outfit was really beneficial to physical performance, men would wear it”.
When contacted, Nike assured that athletes were invited to test the outfit during the creation process and that the complete kit included 50 pieces and 12 different styles, including briefs and shorts for athletics events, image of the outfit worn by the American 100m world champion, Sha’Carri Richardson, during the presentation of the outfits in Paris on Thursday April 11.
