Former US 5,000m national champion Lauren Fleshman denounced the design in an Instagram post, saying it was not suitable for competition.
American track and field athletes will have several outfit options to choose from for the Olympics, officials said Sunday, following criticism of a skimpy design for the Paris Games that was called “sexist.”
Several female athletes took aim at a leotard revealed by Nike as part of a launch event last week to unveil Olympic kits.
The leotard features high-cut panties that have sparked a wave of criticism from American athletes past and present.
Former US 5,000m national champion Lauren Fleshman denounced the design in an Instagram post, saying it was not suitable for competition.
“Professional athletes should be able to compete without devoting brain space to constant pubic vigilance or the mental gymnastics of exposing every vulnerable part of your body,” Fleshman wrote.
“If this outfit was really beneficial to physical performance, men would wear it.
“This is not elite athletic equipment. This is a costume born from patriarchal forces that are no longer welcome or necessary to bring attention to women’s sports. …Stop making it harder for half the population @nike @teamusa @usatf.
American long jumper Tara Davis-Woodhall expressed her puzzlement in a comment under a social media post from athletics outlet Citius that showed the drawings.
“Wait, my hoo haa is going to come out,” Davis-Woodhall joked.
give me 1988. i jump 25 feet https://t.co/0J13CDZA8I
– Tara Davis Woodhall (@tar___ruh) April 12, 2024
Another commenter added: “I hope USATF pays for bikini waxing.” »
The United States Track and Field (USATF) indicated in a statement to AFP on Sunday that the outfits unveiled by Nike were two of dozens that will be offered to athletes competing in Paris.
“The Team USA track and field uniforms unveiled Thursday are just two of many options, including 50 unique pieces, that athletes will be able to choose from for the upcoming Olympic Games,” USATF said.
American sprint star and 100m world champion Sha’Carri Richardson attended Nike’s launch event in Paris on Thursday wearing a version of the kit that included shorts.
The USATF added that athletes were also consulted during the development of the Olympic uniforms.
“Athlete options and choices were the driving force for USATF in the planning process with Nike,” the federation said.
“USATF is also aware that Nike consulted with athletes throughout the design process to ensure that all athletes are comfortable and that the uniforms are well-suited for their respective events.”
Nike did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
