The 2024 Paris Olympics are set to take place in July 2024 and trials for the event are already underway. Nike recently unveiled the track and field kits designed by them for Team USA and Team Kenya which will be worn by the sportspeople representing their respective countries. The Team USA kit, bathed in shades of red and blue, is what has drawn the ire of social media.
BREAKING: Here's your first look at the new @Nike kits that will be worn by the U.S. track and field team at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. pic.twitter.com/XPWOnBrwsv
— CITIUS MAG (@CitiusMag) April 11, 2024
As seen in Citius Magazine's X post, the men's uniform included an incut sleeveless tank top and thigh-length fitted shorts but the women's uniform was far less conservative. The sleeveless suit had a high neckline on top but at the featured deep incut leg cutouts. Not only was the distinction in the design of men's and women's uniform plainly visible, social media users were quick to label it "patriarchal" and "misogynistic". In comparison, the Team Kenya women's uniforms, which were also designed by Nike, featured thigh-length shorts and a sleeveless sports bra.
BREAKING: Here's your look at the new @Nike kits that will be worn by the Kenyan track and field team at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. pic.twitter.com/D1ohfSZ9Cx
— CITIUS MAG (@CitiusMag) April 11, 2024
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Online commentors shared their thoughts on Team USA's women's uniform; from which gender they presume designed the kit to it resembling more of a swimsuit than a track suit.
You just know this was designed by men
— Dream (@somebodiused) April 12, 2024
These female outfits are terrible. Aren't we past the point yet where women are obligated to expose themselves before they're considered worthy of attention? Let the focus be on the sports performance - as with the men.
ADVERTISEMENT— Dr. Dina McMillan (@drdina1) April 13, 2024
Women don't deserve shorts?
— Stella C. (@Teaethics) April 12, 2024
No, the female one is definitely a swimming costume - where's the women's running outfit?
ADVERTISEMENT— Laura Weldon (@LauraWeldonPCK) April 12, 2024
After the controversy took over the internet, Nike went on to issue a statement, relayed by Yahoo! News, which said that this kit in particular was one of their many options for the sportspeople and that feedback from athletes was a part of the process when developing their products.
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