Nike's skimpy U.S. women's Olympic track and field uniforms cause stir online

Athletes require comfortable costumes that assist them in focusing on their game during sports events. This year, Nike designed uniforms for the U.S. track and field team, which will be contending at the Paris 2024 Olympics. There are more than 50 of these uniforms from which the sports team can choose accordingly. Unfortunately, one of the kits has caught the attention of sportspersons and it has been drawing flak on the internet now. The common sentiment among the public is that the athletes won't be able to focus on the game and instead, they will be worried about their costume.

The men's and women's uniforms on mannequins were displayed last week as part of a kit launch before the Paris 2024 Olympics game. It attracted a lot of criticism due to its very high-cut bikini line in the women's attire. Former U.S. field and track athlete Lauren Fleshman raised her objection to the dress in an Instagram post. She 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." She supported her point by saying that people need to compete without "dedicating brain space to constant pube vigilance or the mental gymnastic of having every vulnerable piece of your body in the display."

Fleshman argued that if this uniform was good for performance, men would wear it. However, that was not the case and according to her, the costume was born of "patriarchal forces that no longer welcome or needed to get eyes on women's sports." She added that being a queer person, she is attracted to female bodies, but she does not enjoy seeing men or female athletes put in a "position to battle self-consciousness" at their workplace. "That is not part of the job description. I lived that life and know that excellence is born of unselfconsciousness, of freedom and embodiment of action and instinct," Fleshman concluded.

People also echoed their views about this uniform kit. @jennlutz commented, "Thank you for using your platform to speak against this absurdity. Olympians are the best of the best and this is the worst race kit I have ever seen." @konabadger wrote, "OMG, Yes! I have always wondered why women athletes were all wearing skimpy outfits and the men were not. The same goes for sports like beach volleyball and others. It makes zero sense." @terri.elder.dpt said, "Olympic athletes have enough to worry about. They shouldn't have to worry about their pubic hair." @imaginaryconstellations expressed, "It quite frankly looks very uncomfortable. I'm a swimmer. I wouldn't even wear a swimsuit with such a high cut like that."

In a statement by Nike, they said that they made all the costumes while keeping in mind the needs of athletes. Their primary goal was to offer options that "met athletes' desires for choice, comfort, and performance." They also stated that they worked with sportspersons at every step. "Working directly with athletes throughout every stage of the design process, Nike designed garments to ensure fit across a range of body types and style preferences and infused real-time feedback throughout the entire product-development cycle," said John Hoke, Nike's Chief Innovation Officer.

A spokesperson for USA Track and Field (USATF) told CNN that these uniforms were just two of many options, which include "50 unique pieces." "USATF is also aware that Nike consulted with the athletes throughout the design process to ensure that the team is comfortable and that the uniforms are well-suited for their respective events." Nike told the outlet the leotard design on display will be one among the 50 other options to choose from. Also, people will get tailoring options for the upcoming Olympic Games. Though the criticism for this one specific costume is justified, it should also be noted that the athletes can choose not to wear it and select the one they will be most comfortable in to compete.