Athletes representing the American team expressed strong criticism against Nike’s athletics kit for women, considering it unnecessarily revealing and sexist. The presented outfit, which features a very high-cut Carson line, sparked outrage among Olympic athletes who argue that functionality should take priority over scarcity.

American steeplechaser Colleen Quigley expressed her disappointment and stated that the uniforms ‘don’t work for performance’. Similarly, Lauren Fleshman, former US National Champion, condemned the uniform on Instagram, stressing the importance of an outfit that sustains mental and physical performance.

Tara Davis-Woodhall, an American long bullfighter, humorously but deliberately commented on the revealing nature of the uniform, highlighting concerns about practicality and comfort during competition.

The debate around revealing clothing in women’s sports is not new, and discussions extend to various disciplines such as beach volleyball and gymnastics. Some rules about competition clothing are evolving, as you can see that the German women’s gymnastics team opted for long bodysuits at the Tokyo Olympics.

In response to the criticism, Nike clarified that it is offering unitard options with “briefs” and shorts for this year’s Olympic Games, giving the athlete more options compared to previous iterations. However, the demand for clothing that suits different body types is still prominent, and the athlete is in favor of custom tailoring to ensure an optimal fit.

While Nike-sponsored athletes like Katie Moon recognize the variety of options available, the demand for functional and inclusive uniforms persists among the athletic community.

As the “count down” for the Olympics continues, the focus is on sportswear brands to prioritize performance, comfort and inclusiveness in their designs, reflecting the changing landscape of women’s athletics.