Controversy in the US over “sexist” athletes’ uniforms for the Olympic Games

A few days ago, Nike presented at the Paris Stock Exchange Palace the uniforms to be used by the various delegations at Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Beyond the eye-catching and innovative designs, the dress that got the most attention was the American athletes uniform: a high-cut jersey that barely covers the pelvic area and caused controversy among athletes because it was considered sexist and inappropriate.

“Professional athletes must compete without devoting brain space to constant pubic surveillance or the mental gymnastics of having every vulnerable part of their body on display,” criticized the three-time American 5,000m champion . Lauren Fleshmanthrough a publication on his Instagram account.

Other American athletes like the jumper Tara Davis-Woodhallthe blocker Britton Wilson and the sprinter Harrison Clayand the coaches Katherine Wustenfeld and Alison Staplesthe design is also criticized or ridiculed.

“If the labia are attached to a stationary mannequin, what do we expect to happen to a moving person?”

Other athletes, however, came out in defense of the American company. This is the case of the pole vaulter Katie MoonNike athlete, who defended the right of women to wear the clothes they like best.

“I love people standing up for women, but we have at least 20 different combinations to compete with all the tops and bottoms available to us,” Moon wrote.

The United States’ governing body for the sports of track and field, USATFsent a statement to AFP saying “The US uniforms unveiled Thursday are just two of the many options available to athletes, 50 unique pieces, for the Olympic Games.”

Nike, for its part, justified its decision by ensuring that the company works “directly with athletes at every stage of the design process,” according to a statement sent to AFP.