Nike accused of creating sexist Olympic uniforms

After releasing the athletics uniforms for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, this Thursday (11), the sports brand Nike was accused of using sexist uniforms. The criticism is specifically aimed at US women's sportswear.

Understand the case

According to former athlete Lauren Freshman, women's clothing is not as comfortable as men's clothing. This is because, according to reviews, swimsuits and panties expose the groin. In a text published by Lauren, she explains that athletes should practice the sport without having to worry about exposing their pubis, in addition to mental gymnastics due to the vulnerability of having their body on display: “(…) This is not elite athletic kit for athletics“, says Lauren in her outburst.

_{Publication by Lauren Fleshman (Photo: reproduction/Instagram/@fleshmanflyer)}

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The athlete completes her position in part of the text by criticizing patriarchy: “This is a costume born of patriarchal forces that are no longer welcome or necessary to bring attention to women's sport.” saying that if this clothing were in fact beneficial for individual performance, it would also be used by men in sports. Freshman ends the text by asking people to stop making things difficult for half the population, that is, women.

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Yet another Olympic athlete, this time Queen Harrison Claye, criticized the outfits sports, making a joke and suggesting that waxing salons sponsor the women's track team.

Nike's position

According to the company, which spoke in a press release, the uniforms are designed to help each professional perform at a high level, and have even been tested on other athletes.

Furthermore, for ABC News, Nike confirmed that there are not just these women's clothing options, as 50 exclusive clothing options have not yet been made available.

Featured photo: USA sports uniform for the Olympics (Reproduction/Instagram/@annacockrell)

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