Nike's 'hoo haa' Olympic uniforms reveal everything, including sexism in sport

[Jilly_in_VA]

Paris has long been known for its avant garde fashion. Yet the couture scene would be hard-pressed to produce anything as confounding and controversial as the Team USA track and field kits that were unveiled in the City of Lights last week.

There was nothing to see when it came to Team USA’s men’s track uniforms: standard shorts and a tank top. But when it came to their female counterparts, there was everything to see, especially around the nether regions.

As reigning 800m Olympic champion and Nike athlete Athing Mu modelled the US team’s briefs (fellow participant Sha’Carri Richardson opted for shorts) the scene drummed up memories of the Rio Games: the new USA uniforms would be ideal for a Brazilian beach. Citius Magazine further highlighted the design flaw when it tweeted an image of a mannequin showcasing the uniform and suffering from some major camel toe.

The uniforms are a step backwards on multiple levels. Fashion-wise, they are a hybrid of the leotards worn by 1980s aerobic addicts and the costumes for Baywatch in the 1990s. Except the workout leotards were worn with tights and Baywatch was toned-down porn.

When it comes to the evolution of women’s sports, once again it’s one step forward, two steps back. A commenter on X said it best: “Men can worry about their athletic performance while women have to worry about chaffing, their genitals not falling out and getting a bikini wax. Definitely equal opportunities huh”

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/apr/15/team-usa-olympic-uniforms-briefs-paris-2024

They've already had serious problems with their MLB uniforms being see-through. Now they get comments like that from long jumperTara Davis-Woodhall memorably noting that “my hoo haa is gonna be out.” Back to the drawing board, and let WOMEN do it!

[spooky3]

1. One of the athletes replied to a different article to say this was only

One of 20 pieces Nike made available. Women can choose to ignore this particular “leotard” and instead wear another outfit or combination of pieces. Of course, it’s interesting that Nike made this one available at all and chose to focus on it in their publicity.

[MOMFUDSKI]

2. They also shouldn't allow men to design

appliances. I could write a book.

[spooky3]

3. Or "child proof" caps and lids, and many other things. :-)

[mopinko]

5. an old friend used to say- products shd carry a warning- designed by a man.

[Srkdqltr]

4. You think,? Maybe?

I do hope this hasn't just dawned on anyone.

[Aussie105]

6. Nothing inhibits athletic performance more

than a feeling of insecurity in what you are wearing.

The 'Hoo Hah' and camel toe need to be kept out of public view for the ladies to perform at their best.