Nike’s latest reveal of the 2024 Olympic gear in Paris has sparked controversy over a bodysuit for Team U.S.A.’s track stars that features a daring thigh-high slit. Many fans expressed concerns, suggesting the design might be unnecessarily revealing. Citius Mag released side-by-side photos of the men’s and women’s uniforms, prompting thousands of comments from the public across various platforms.
“Why are we presenting this sexualized outfit as the standard of excellence?” Lauren Fleshman, a retired U.S. national champion distance runner and author of Good for a Girl, asked in an interview with The New York Times. “In part because we think that’s what nets us the most financial gain from sponsors or NIL opportunities, most of which are handed out by powerful men or people looking at it through a male gaze. But women are breaking records with ratings in sports where you don’t have to wear essentially a bathing suit to perform.”
Despite the backlash, Nike is standing by the design, insisting that the athletes themselves had a say in the creative process. According to USA Track and Field, all athletes were involved in the development stages, actively providing feedback and making choices that influenced the final products.
“We showcased some of the new Olympic uniforms at the Nike On Air experience in Paris — but, as we are a few months from the Games and working with limited samples in a limited format presentation, not all looks and styles were featured,” a Nike representative told NPR.
The company has announced that athletes will have nearly 50 different pieces to choose from. Women can opt for various combinations, including compression shorts, crop tops, tank tops, or a bodysuit with shorts.
Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, supports providing options for the athletes, emphasizing the importance of their comfort during competition. Before the controversy erupted, Nike had described the uniforms as its most refined and athlete-focused designs to date, promising custom alterations at the Olympics to ensure a perfect fit.
