“Baywatch-style” and “created by patriarchal forces”: rain of criticism against Nike for women’s clothing at Paris 2024

Nike presented last week at Paris the new uniforms that the United States men’s and women’s track and field teams will wear Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The design of the version for athletes has received a barrage of criticism in recent days for its style considered excessively “revealing and sexist”. So much that The Wall Street Journal She compared it to the sultry swimsuits Pamela Anderson wore in Baywatch because they had “a very high cut in the pubic area.”

Lauren Fleshmann, the former American national champion athlete in the 5000 meters in the 2000s, felt that the cut of these uniforms was not adequate to maximize performance. “The amount of attention needed for your pubic area to wear something like that and on a world stage, when you try to be carefree and free to push your limits and not worry about every movement of your body… Honestly it’s disrespectful“said the American.

Furthermore, the former athlete published a post on his Instagram account in which he expresses his rejection of new models. “This is not an elite tracksuit. It is a custom created by patriarchal forces that are no longer welcome or necessary to direct attention towards women’s sport.

It is an opinion shared by several athletes, such as Queen Harrison-Clayesprinter and hurdler, who ironically suggested that the European Wax Centre You should sponsor your team because the leotard is revealing. This is a famous hair removal center in Florida.

Nike defended its work by underlining that it created the uniforms taking into account the wishes of its athletes and underlined that each athlete can choose the style that is most comfortable for them to compete. In the official press release presenting the uniforms, the brand underlined that the “voice of the athletes” was the main objective in designing the product.

On the other hand, there are athletes who defend the freedom of choice that the brand guarantees them. Katie Moon, a Tokyo pole vault champion associated with Nike, also shared her thoughts on the new models in an Instagram post. “I want to be clear and start by saying this what was shown on the mannequin was worrying and justified the response received“, began the 32-year-old athlete. He then underlined that: “We have the choice of what to wear and whether we feel better in a potato sack or in a bathing suit during raceswe should support autonomy.”

The brand said in its statement that: “With nearly 50 pieces to choose from for men’s and women’s athletics and a dozen competition styles tailored for specific events, Athletes can choose uniforms that suit their personal style and preferences without sacrificing comfort during the Games“.

In this sense it is appropriate to underline the fact that Sha’Carri Richardsonworld champion in Budapest 2023, will present the uniforms in Paris wearing the shorts version.

The Olympic Games will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11.