“Born by patriarchal forces that are no longer welcome” | Relief

Just a few days ago, the uniforms designed by Nike for American athletes at the Paris Games were unveiled at the Paris Bourse Palace. Clothing that left no one indifferent. Especially the female form, which has received a lot of criticism. some athletes.

The images, which were released last Thursday, showed a two-piece uniform, the lower part of which was criticized for being an overly “smaller” uniform due to its high cut and for leaving a larger portion visible part of the pelvic area. And this was the main argument of those who spoke in favor of this form. Especially some athletes who argue that image takes precedence over functionality.

Among the most critical voices is the voice Lauren Fleshman, former American athlete. The mid-range specialist called the lawsuit “disrespectful” and assured that The garment “emerged from patriarchal forces that are no longer welcome or necessary to bring attention to women’s sports. “If this suit was truly beneficial for physical performance, men would wear it.”

Another athlete who has criticized the new kit, which is being introduced alongside those from Germany, China, Canada, Kenya and Uganda, is Colleen Quigley, who competed at the 2016 Rio Games, and pointed in the same direction. “She’s not made for competition. We deserve a uniform that makes us feel comfortable and doesn’t have to worry about feeling awkward.”. While Queen hurdler Harrison Clay joked on social media and asked the European Wax Center if it wanted to sponsor the American team.

Here are some of the disparate voices that made Nike, in a statement to Reuters, assured that the clothes presented, along with many others, are just one of the possible combinations. which they provided to the athletes. Uniforms for men and women Includes nearly 50 clothing items and 12 competition styles. for specific events, the brand said at the launch of the kits. In fact, at the presentation, which featured famous athletes as models, Sha’Carri Richardson, queen of the 100-meter dash, wore a uniform and pants.

There are also voices that defend the form. presented by an Oregon-based company and attacking anyone who wants to see anything sexy or sexualizing about this item of clothing. This is the case pole vaulter Katy Moon. “I like people who champion women, but we have at least 20 different uniform combinations to compete with all the tops and bottoms we have available. Plus, we have a men’s version if we want it. “When you attack by calling something ‘sexist’, even if it is done with the best intentions, you end up attacking our choices as women.”

“And if you truly believe that on the most important days of our careers, we choose what to wear to please the men who look at us, rather than the clothes in which she can feel most comfortable, confident and show her best side , then it’s quite offensive.” We have a choice in what we wear, and if we feel better in a potato sack or a swimsuit when we compete, we should support autonomy.”– the jumper concluded in her extensive post on Instagram in defense of the uniform, which was already born under the sign of controversy. Actually, Nike has already confirmed to Reuters that it will have tailors available to athletes during the Games if necessary.