Nike wants labia exposed at Olympics

[StrawberryBlondie]

Apr 12, 2024 8:55:43 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

Why is it called a kit?

I think that's just a general term for uniform + gear. Like in soccer, the kit is everything the players wear.

[CrazyLucky]

I'd like to hear what some other world class athletes have to say. Even if it is AN acceptable uniform, is it the best? Is it sending a good message? Is it turning world class female athletes into sex objects yet again? Is it drawing attention away from their amazing abilities and feats?

[basilosaurus]

Apr 12, 2024 8:07:24 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Apr 11, 2024 21:43:33 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Are there rules about body hair for the Olympics that disqualify people?

Of course not, but most women are not going to feel comfortable walking around with their pubes out. Of course if someone does that's great for them, but the majority of us would be too self conscious about it and no doubt it would be talked about in the media.

I feel like joining a bushy pube protest in solidarity. If you can admire hair on the top of my head you can handle hair in my groin. 

I've reached the point of crotchedy middle age where I give no fucks. I wear a bathing suit often, part of living on a tropical island, and I couldn't tell you the last time I touched a razor. If you don't like seeing it, that's on you.

Of course, every woman shouldn't be forced to expose more than she wants. And while it doesn't sound like force here because there are other options, who even approved of this without thinking that, yeah, most American women don't want a bush display. And what, if any, was their technical argument? Does this appreciably improve performance? If so, do the same for men. 

[lilac05]

Apr 12, 2024 9:45:17 GMT -5 gemini79 said:

The kit exists because there are athletes that like that style and find it functional for their type of performance.

Here is a link to Tarra Davis. She's world champion and Olympic long jumper. She's repped by Lululemon--and they make their uniforms bespoke for their athletes. Here she is competing in a speed suit that's super similar. She chose it and is obviously proud and comfortable in it. It's functional for her event. Also no labia or ass cheeks are shown.

www.instagram.com/reel/C3di8AdPvzn/?igsh=dXZxbWgzMnR0cjNl


Again, I do think there's an element of sexism here, but some of the questions...like..they are answered..if you bother to follow our sport

I understand what you’re saying here, and I’m happy the athletes have options. However, the part that I think most people find odd is very differently cut than the one you linked here. It’s the weird cut-in for the legs that makes it look so odd to me. It’s cut almost like a high-cut swim suit in the front, but then makes a pretty sharp curve to be able to still offer more coverage in the back. If they had just cut it along the crease or close to it, like it looks like is in your example, I think the conversation would be different.

[jinkies]

Apr 12, 2024 9:45:17 GMT -5 gemini79 said:

The kit exists because there are athletes that like that style and find it functional for their type of performance.

Here is a link to Tarra Davis. She's world champion and Olympic long jumper. She's repped by Lululemon--and they make their uniforms bespoke for their athletes. Here she is competing in a speed suit that's super similar. She chose it and is obviously proud and comfortable in it. It's functional for her event. Also no labia or ass cheeks are shown.

www.instagram.com/reel/C3di8AdPvzn/?igsh=dXZxbWgzMnR0cjNl


Again, I do think there's an element of sexism here, but some of the questions...like..they are answered..if you bother to follow our sport

I truly have no dog in this fight, and will admit that my knee jerk reaction to the uniform is that it's ridiculous.

But I appreciate this perspective. At the end of the day, I only pay attention to track and field for 2 weeks every four years, so don't presume to have any knowledge of what works best for any given athlete. as noted above, this is only one of the uniform options. I would rather die than attempt anything vaguely athletic while wearing it, but... what's comfortable for me is not what works for elite athletes.

Nike says that they solicited and incorporated input from the athletes who will actually wear the uniform, and since that's their job I'm going to assume that's true.

However as I do have significant experience in marketing and design, I do feel qualified to roast them for the terrible font choice. Like, what in the comic sans is that???

[felicity]

Apr 12, 2024 9:45:17 GMT -5 gemini79 said:

The kit exists because there are athletes that like that style and find it functional for their type of performance.

Here is a link to Tarra Davis. She's world champion and Olympic long jumper. She's repped by Lululemon--and they make their uniforms bespoke for their athletes. Here she is competing in a speed suit that's super similar. She chose it and is obviously proud and comfortable in it. It's functional for her event. Also no labia or ass cheeks are shown.

www.instagram.com/reel/C3di8AdPvzn/?igsh=dXZxbWgzMnR0cjNl


Again, I do think there's an element of sexism here, but some of the questions...like..they are answered..if you bother to follow our sport

If this is the best cut for those events, how come the men's uniforms are so different? Why isn't it the best kind for them as well?

[wanderingback]

Apr 12, 2024 8:07:24 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Apr 11, 2024 21:43:33 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Are there rules about body hair for the Olympics that disqualify people?

Of course not, but most women are not going to feel comfortable walking around with their pubes out. Of course if someone does that's great for them, but the majority of us would be too self conscious about it and no doubt it would be talked about in the media.

I guess most Olympic runners don't have thighs that touch anyway, but my first thought was chafing. That looks sooo uncomfortable! I guess if there are options to wear shorts that's great, but that should be included in the announcement pics!

There are some specific uniform and appearance rules for some sports so that’s why I was asking. I used to run track but don’t follow it closely now so I was just wondering.

[mrsslocombe]

Apr 12, 2024 10:30:41 GMT -5 felicity said:

Apr 12, 2024 9:45:17 GMT -5 gemini79 said:

The kit exists because there are athletes that like that style and find it functional for their type of performance.

Here is a link to Tarra Davis. She's world champion and Olympic long jumper. She's repped by Lululemon--and they make their uniforms bespoke for their athletes. Here she is competing in a speed suit that's super similar. She chose it and is obviously proud and comfortable in it. It's functional for her event. Also no labia or ass cheeks are shown.

www.instagram.com/reel/C3di8AdPvzn/?igsh=dXZxbWgzMnR0cjNl


Again, I do think there's an element of sexism here, but some of the questions...like..they are answered..if you bother to follow our sport

If this is the best cut for those events, how come the men's uniforms are so different? Why isn't it the best kind for them as well?

I mean...to be obvious...people with penises and testicles have different support/coverage needs in the crotch area. 


One could argue about why the men's kit needs to have such long shorts vs the shorter shorts for women. That is a cultural issue vs performance. 

[Deleted]

Yeah, even the mannequin, who is STATIONARY, has large parts of her pubic area exposed. This garment looks to provide significantly less coverage than similar brief/singlet style uniforms that I’ve seen other athletes wear.

[basilosaurus]

Apr 12, 2024 10:30:41 GMT -5 felicity said:

Apr 12, 2024 9:45:17 GMT -5 gemini79 said:

The kit exists because there are athletes that like that style and find it functional for their type of performance.

Here is a link to Tarra Davis. She's world champion and Olympic long jumper. She's repped by Lululemon--and they make their uniforms bespoke for their athletes. Here she is competing in a speed suit that's super similar. She chose it and is obviously proud and comfortable in it. It's functional for her event. Also no labia or ass cheeks are shown.

www.instagram.com/reel/C3di8AdPvzn/?igsh=dXZxbWgzMnR0cjNl


Again, I do think there's an element of sexism here, but some of the questions...like..they are answered..if you bother to follow our sport

If this is the best cut for those events, how come the men's uniforms are so different? Why isn't it the best kind for them as well?

Yes, it's the disparity that matters. It's either the best for all or best for none. Bodies are not that drastically different

[ellipses84]

Apr 12, 2024 7:34:15 GMT -5 UMaineTeach said:

It’s ok, they typed all the things people wanted into AI and got a product. It can’t be bad.


“We’ve now been able to take athlete insights, along with data and use that algorithm to create something that allows us to get to a level of specificity, fidelity and accuracy that we’ve never been able to do before,” Nichol said.

I’m assuming by algorithm they mean they are using AI in this case? If they polled athletes and 1 person out of 100 said high cut (which doesn’t define how high cut) or sexy, it could impact an AI design. Not to mention that AI pulls the internet data available which we know of full of the same sexism and misogyny in our world and lots of articles about Olympic women’s volleyball “shorts”, etc.

I bet Nike intentionally showed that uniform so it would go viral, even though there’s other options. From a design standpoint I have a lot of other critiques although I’d like to see the whole collection to see if that makes it slightly better.

[gemini79]

Apr 12, 2024 10:11:18 GMT -5 CrazyLucky said:

I'd like to hear what some other world class athletes have to say. Even if it is AN acceptable uniform, is it the best? Is it sending a good message? Is it turning world class female athletes into sex objects yet again? Is it drawing attention away from their amazing abilities and feats?

There ARE athletes reviewing it on X, instagram and tik tok. Quite a few have said they like it.

[akayf]

Apr 12, 2024 9:45:17 GMT -5 gemini79 said:

The kit exists because there are athletes that like that style and find it functional for their type of performance.

Here is a link to Tarra Davis. She's world champion and Olympic long jumper. She's repped by Lululemon--and they make their uniforms bespoke for their athletes. Here she is competing in a speed suit that's super similar. She chose it and is obviously proud and comfortable in it. It's functional for her event. Also no labia or ass cheeks are shown.

www.instagram.com/reel/C3di8AdPvzn/?igsh=dXZxbWgzMnR0cjNl


Again, I do think there's an element of sexism here, but some of the questions...like..they are answered..if you bother to follow our sport

I know and understand that athletes have preferences on uniform styles. And that many do find this style very functional for their event. But Tara Davis typically competes in this speed suit/leotard style of uniform, she doesn’t seem too fond of the Nike version. From the original article posted…

Even professional runners and Olympic hopefuls are weighing in on the design. Long jump star Tara Davis-Woodhall, a favorite to make this year’s Olympic team, commented, “wait my hoo haa is gonna be out.”

[icedcoffee]

Unless the athletes have an issue with it then I don't care. I used to say I'd never work out in just a bra on top and then I did it. And you know what? It feels good and now it's all I do.

[kath16]

just like every sport, these uniforms should have options tailored to individual comfort. every body shape is different, as are athlete preferences. i am hopeful that there are various two piece/short and singlet options for both men and women that just aren't pictured here


(also, an aside, but lol that the example used as "see, she loves this" was the exact person who loudly expressed the same concerns that we have. that genuinely made me laugh so thanks everyone)

[lilac05]

Apr 12, 2024 11:13:52 GMT -5 basilosaurus said:

Apr 12, 2024 10:30:41 GMT -5 felicity said:

If this is the best cut for those events, how come the men's uniforms are so different? Why isn't it the best kind for them as well?

Yes, it's the disparity that matters. It's either the best for all or best for none. Bodies are not that drastically different

It could be that the women's cut IS actually better for performance. The men have to wear something slightly subpar because they choose not to wear something that offers so little coverage. Or the bikini look is not able to offer enough compression/support for maximum performance of the men, but that is a non-issue for the women, so they're able to do without the extra material.

I still think it could have been done at a different angle for the leg hole, and it would cut down on a lot of the concerns. I doubt anything is happening in that 1.5" of non-coverage at the crease that improves performance. I'd be upset if I was an athlete who preferred the bikini cut and had to choose between this and shorts. This looks more narrowly cut than a Baywatch swimsuit in the front. 

[pixy0stix]

Maybe we should throw it all the way back to the original Olympics and compete naked.

[CrazyLucky]

Apr 12, 2024 11:35:22 GMT -5 gemini79 said:

Apr 12, 2024 10:11:18 GMT -5 CrazyLucky said:

I'd like to hear what some other world class athletes have to say. Even if it is AN acceptable uniform, is it the best? Is it sending a good message? Is it turning world class female athletes into sex objects yet again? Is it drawing attention away from their amazing abilities and feats?

There ARE athletes reviewing it on X, instagram and tik tok. Quite a few have said they like it.

Well, I don't know if there's a way to determine how many like it vs how many don't, but there are plenty of athletes and coaches ripping it too.
But did no one look at that and have second thoughts?  Were they really thinking women would be pumped at the opportunity to wear something like that?  Even the swimmers wear less revealing clothing.  Maybe they were going with, "No press is bad press."

[gemini79]

Apr 12, 2024 13:49:42 GMT -5 CrazyLucky said:

Apr 12, 2024 11:35:22 GMT -5 gemini79 said:

There ARE athletes reviewing it on X, instagram and tik tok. Quite a few have said they like it.

Well, I don't know if there's a way to determine how many like it vs how many don't, but there are plenty of athletes and coaches ripping it too.
But did no one look at that and have second thoughts?  Were they really thinking women would be pumped at the opportunity to wear something like that?  Even the swimmers wear less revealing clothing.  Maybe they were going with, "No press is bad press."

Nike (and all the uniform sponsors) actually preview the uniforms and test them with athletes multiple times in multiple settings and solicit their feedback. This is also known and being discussed. Versions of this uniform have been out for a long time.

The conversation about women's uniforms in track has been going on for a long time. Discussion about disparity, pay, representation, drug use..etc etc etc..its all happening and it's all awesome!

Listen. Track and field, running..this sport is amazing and a real thing with tons of real issues and it sounds like many of you are interested in advocating for our sport and athletes given your involvement in the uniforms you will see for two weeks this summer. Maybe this is the thing that will truly get you all to invest IN the sport!

[emilyj]

I'm assuming pixy0stix got this from my Instagram :-)

I hate all the uniforms this year. Men's, women's...I think they are all really ugly. But that speed suit is the pits. Sure, the women may have other options, but should this even be an option in the first place?

I do know one track and field woman who has said privately she hates it (and since she said it privately, no, I'm not posting her name on the board), and many of her teammates feel the same. I can't imagine any of them would dare say that in public though, for fear of repercussions.

[wawa]

Apr 12, 2024 10:23:43 GMT -5 lilac05 said:

Apr 12, 2024 9:45:17 GMT -5 gemini79 said:

The kit exists because there are athletes that like that style and find it functional for their type of performance.

Here is a link to Tarra Davis. She's world champion and Olympic long jumper. She's repped by Lululemon--and they make their uniforms bespoke for their athletes. Here she is competing in a speed suit that's super similar. She chose it and is obviously proud and comfortable in it. It's functional for her event. Also no labia or ass cheeks are shown.

www.instagram.com/reel/C3di8AdPvzn/?igsh=dXZxbWgzMnR0cjNl


Again, I do think there's an element of sexism here, but some of the questions...like..they are answered..if you bother to follow our sport

I understand what you’re saying here, and I’m happy the athletes have options. However, the part that I think most people find odd is very differently cut than the one you linked here. It’s the weird cut-in for the legs that makes it look so odd to me. It’s cut almost like a high-cut swim suit in the front, but then makes a pretty sharp curve to be able to still offer more coverage in the back. If they had just cut it along the crease or close to it, like it looks like is in your example, I think the conversation would be different.

yeah, I think the reason this seems so strikingly naked is because it appears to my non-expert eye to be an odd cut.  at least on this mannequin this one looks like a weird mashup of a the little bunhugger shorts with how it comes over the hip with a high cut brief with how it hits the cooter, with VERY vertical sides.  And like that aside, look at the shoulder situation.  It's giving retro bathing suit but with side pubes.  From a strictly fashion POV, whyyyy?

I don't know what it's supposed to be doing in terms of performance, and I buy that it might be doing a thing, but it seems like an odd combo that is much narrower in the front than the typical track brief.  So yes, obviously some people choose to compete in briefs or bathing suit style singlets, I'm a triathlon girl so I see the same things there and get that some people prefer less fabric than others (no matter how uncomfortable it looks on a bike to my decidedly not professional eyes), but this one looks NARROW across the front in a way that is unusual.

[pixy0stix]

Apr 12, 2024 14:29:36 GMT -5 emilyj said:

I'm assuming pixy0stix got this from my Instagram :-)

Lol! I sent you my reaction and then brought it here.

[cap]

Apr 11, 2024 21:43:33 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Apr 11, 2024 20:32:53 GMT -5 cap said:

You'd have to be close to fully waxed to wear that.

Are there rules about body hair for the Olympics that disqualify people?

Very fair point. I should have said that I’d feel the need to be waxed to wear that.

[nsl]

Apr 12, 2024 18:08:47 GMT -5 cap said:

Apr 11, 2024 21:43:33 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Are there rules about body hair for the Olympics that disqualify people?

Very fair point. I should have said that I’d feel the need to be waxed to wear that.

Please. If a non-waxed female athlete wore that and had visible pubic hairs while competing don't you think that would become international news in less time than it takes her to run a speed event? We live in an incredibly sexist world where women's bodies--including elite athletes'--are scrutinized for any and every perceived imperfection. She would never, ever stop being hounded about it.

I'm also really side-eyeing anyone defending that uniform on the basis of the Instagram post. Take 5 seconds to look at the cut of the leg holes in the video vs. on the mannequin. Then remember that the same athlete who posted the video came out swinging with a very cogent argument against the uniform in question. She competes in similar gear. That is not an acceptable cut to her. Sure, Nike may have solicited opinions from female athletes and had them test the design, but it will be very telling to see during the actual games if any of the qualifiers wear this thing as it's presented in the PR image, or if what Nike decided to lead with today isn't just designed to generate buzz.

[sonrisa]

One thing left out of this conversation is the pipeline effect of highly exposed uniforms and expectations.

To become an elite athlete, they’ve already weathered the body shaming and expectations put on girls long before they get here. How many of us know women who as girls either dropped out or developed eating disorders because of the appearance expectations of her coach or others when she was competing? Because of what she was expected to wear and how she was expected to present? If we only talk about the dozen or so who made it through that and still thrived, I don’t know if we are having the right conversation.

I’m particularly mindful this week as a mother whose daughter just dropped out of her sport because of the shit girls get about their bodies and how so many people within these more exposed sports act as if body shaming is okay and relevant to performance.

[notreal]

Apr 12, 2024 13:16:21 GMT -5 kath16 said:

just like every sport, these uniforms should have options tailored to individual comfort. every body shape is different, as are athlete preferences. i am hopeful that there are various two piece/short and singlet options for both men and women that just aren't pictured here


(also, an aside, but lol that the example used as "see, she loves this" was the exact person who loudly expressed the same concerns that we have. that genuinely made me laugh so thanks everyone)

I'm usually pro just call it by its biological name, but for some reason hoo ha brings me joy.  I hope Ms Tara makes the team I'll be rooting for her.

[cap]

Apr 12, 2024 18:30:49 GMT -5 nsl said:

Apr 12, 2024 18:08:47 GMT -5 cap said:

Very fair point. I should have said that I’d feel the need to be waxed to wear that.

Please. If a non-waxed female athlete wore that and had visible pubic hairs while competing don't you think that would become international news in less time than it takes her to run a speed event? We live in an incredibly sexist world where women's bodies--including elite athletes'--are scrutinized for any and every perceived imperfection. She would never, ever stop being hounded about it.

I'm also really side-eyeing anyone defending that uniform on the basis of the Instagram post. Take 5 seconds to look at the cut of the leg holes in the video vs. on the mannequin. Then remember that the same athlete who posted the video came out swinging with a very cogent argument against the uniform in question. She competes in similar gear. That is not an acceptable cut to her. Sure, Nike may have solicited opinions from female athletes and had them test the design, but it will be very telling to see during the actual games if any of the qualifiers wear this thing as it's presented in the PR image, or if what Nike decided to lead with today isn't just designed to generate buzz.

Your point is also true, although it stinks that it is. 

[outnumbered]

Apr 12, 2024 11:35:22 GMT -5 gemini79 said:

Apr 12, 2024 10:11:18 GMT -5 CrazyLucky said:

I'd like to hear what some other world class athletes have to say. Even if it is AN acceptable uniform, is it the best? Is it sending a good message? Is it turning world class female athletes into sex objects yet again? Is it drawing attention away from their amazing abilities and feats?

There ARE athletes reviewing it on X, instagram and tik tok. Quite a few have said they like it.

Is it possible that athletes are hesitant to criticize a huge potential sponsor such as Nike?

[basilosaurus]

Apr 12, 2024 21:55:46 GMT -5 outnumbered said:

Apr 12, 2024 11:35:22 GMT -5 gemini79 said:

There ARE athletes reviewing it on X, instagram and tik tok. Quite a few have said they like it.

Is it possible that athletes are hesitant to criticize a huge potential sponsor such as Nike?

I'm sure this is a large part. Also, these are women who, like sonrisa said, have survived the gauntlet to even get here, so they've learned to deal with it. Not too long ago girls in hs were getting penalized for their short shorts even though that was the industry standard. But, they wanted to compete, so they wore what was standard and put up with the fallout.

I also find it strange that someone unknown to us is posting as an expert. Yes, this does occasionally happen, that a lurker comes out of the woodworks when it's of particular interest to them, but I want to know who are you and why are you here?

One of my friends is an elite runner, was an Olympic alternate, and she's rejected this. Do I now count as an adjacent expert like gemini is purporting to be? I'm pretty sure my previous male partners who were all oddly runners (I'm decidedly not!) wouldn't wear a front thong. Does that count now?

[gemini79]

Apr 12, 2024 21:55:46 GMT -5 outnumbered said:

Apr 12, 2024 11:35:22 GMT -5 gemini79 said:

There ARE athletes reviewing it on X, instagram and tik tok. Quite a few have said they like it.

Is it possible that athletes are hesitant to criticize a huge potential sponsor such as Nike?

No Nike athlete is going to publicly come out and shit on the brand they are employed by, and this is true for a lot of other athletes and their sponsors. It's not surprising. Part of their employment contract is to sell the gear.