“Awful”: After Nike Controversy, Noah Lyles’ Sponsor Adidas, Also Disappoint Track and Field World

We are one month away from the 2024 Paris Olympics! But amidst all the excitement, the focus has shifted from the athletes and the event to two sportswear giants – Adidas and Nike. Athletes have adorned outfits by either of the powerhouses for several decades now. It isn’t odd to catch a sighting of the iconic checkmark or the three lines on any athlete across the world. With the Summer games approaching, both brands unveiled their version of the track and field outfits a few months ago. 

However, these designs sparked a huge debate. Everyone took to their social media, voicing their opinions on what they thought about the designs. While both designs received a mixed bag of opinions, Nike was handed the shorter end of the stick. Why have the track and field outfits brought on such reactions from fans? 

Both sportswear powerhouses face backlash over Olympic kits

Both the sports powerhouses unleashed their new track and field outfits earlier this year. While both were unique in their own way, many fans criticized Nike’s female athlete bodysuits for not covering up enough. However, as the Olympic Trials went on, fans seemingly are second-guessing their opinions. One fan recently took to their twitter, stating “Nike got a lot of crap for their track & field uniforms. I don’t think Adidas has gotten enough crap for their terrible bodysuit design.” Many fans focused on Nike’s design so much, that Adidas’ kit slipped through the cracks. 

When both the designs were unveiled, each brand had different things in mind for the design. Adidas went along with a central design. Every team and athlete would don a singular design that showcases their identities, while also emulating the passion each athlete holds. Amidst all of this, Noah Lyles dropped his Adidas fit for fans to take in. His sentiment matched the collective opinion. He happened to find comfort and familiarity by donning their kit. 

While Nike stated that each of their designs was curated keeping the athlete’s nation, sport, and identity in mind. However, their sentiment didn’t match the finished product. Many took one look at the female bodysuit and claimed that it seemed impractical and wouldn’t help the sprinters focus on what they should – running. 

Adidas, on the other hand, were lauded for keeping the athlete’s practicality, sport, and comfort in mind. This particularly came forward when images of Great Britain’s kit graced the internet. Many fans praised the simplistic approach and stated they preferred Adidas’ traditional approach compared to Nike’s modern tech approach. So what went wrong suddenly? 

Fans turn against Adidas amidst Olympic Trials

Nike’s bikini cut in the female bodysuit caused great discomfort for several fans across the globe. However, when fans saw what the Adidas bodysuit looked like in action, they changed their minds. Several fans took to Twitter to voice their opinions. One fan stated, “am I crazy, or is this thing hideous? 😂” Many agreed that they didn’t understand the positive reactions to the bizarre cut bodysuit initially. 

Another fan expressed, “I feel uncomfortable just looking at them”. The kits are ideally supposed to help the athlete excel on the track. However, the design stated otherwise. Another fan seemed to agree, “It just looks weird.” Many seemed to believe the outfits weren’t created, keeping the female body or comfort in mind.  

One fan seemed to find a silver lining, “Anna Hall’s final day print kit was 🔥 though” Despite the backlash, some fans found the aesthetics of Hall’s outfit to be fit for the occasion. However, another fan honestly confessed, “This!!! This body suit is so ugly 🤣” Many fans were concerned that the bodysuits weren’t practical or comfortable enough to wear during high-speed sprints. 

The Olympic kits seemed to have garnered far more attention than the games itself. While both athletic sportswear giants have had a strong presence at several Summer Games, this year is all about how they could’ve kept their kits simple. Despite the backlash, fans are yet to see how each athlete would perform donning these kits in the French capital. Will Lyles pave his way to Olympic glory in the Adidas kit? We will soon find out. Will you be watching?