Sha’Carri Richardson’s Iconic Teammates End Nike Drama After Mass Backlash on Paris Olympics Outfit

Nike made headlines when it released the Olympic uniforms for the USA women’s track and field team. It was at the heart of criticism and drew the ire of the probable Olympic entries. Even Nike, a global brand, faced questions of sexism. But Sha’Carri Richardson was one of the few athletes who came to its support.

In loyalty to the brand partnership, the 100-meter world’s fastest female sprinter modeled wearing one of the styles when the high-cut brief-style suit was facing backlash. Track fans were naturally concerned. However, in defense, Nike’s vice president for global sports apparel, Jordana Katcher, emphasized the “spectrum of styles” they offer. Now, joining in, some of SCR’s peers have extended support too.

Nike’s Olympic kit controversy ended by Sha’Carri Richardson’s peers

The 2024 World Indoor Championships long jump gold medalist, Tara Davis-Woodhall, was one of those left bemused when the high-cut unitard went viral. Responding to the outfit photos, she wrote, “Wait my hoo haa is gonna be out.” This also caught the attention of Dwayne Johnson’s infuriated ex-wife, Dany Garcia. One of her statements read, “I know this story has been out for a beat, but seriously, who the F was in the room when they were convinced this was a good idea????” And the list of critics ran pretty long!

However, the tide began to turn slowly when Sha’Carri Richardson took center stage at the Nike Air Innovation Summit in Paris along with Athing Mu and flaunted the new outfits. Other now other athletes have also come in support of the Nike uniform and may have put the debacle to a rest.

Davis Woodhall pointed out, “It was the picture that did no justice. I saw one [of the uniforms] today. They’re beautiful. They’re not like the picture.” During Team USA’s media summit last week four-time gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross stated, “I think the overall designs are beautiful, but ultimately I feel like the athletes should be super comfortable so they can go on the track and give their best.” Since then, the voices of support have kept getting louder.

PAN American Gold medalist Anna Cockrell said, “I’ve had the opportunity to share feedback and insights that helped inform the new USATF Kit. During testing, this fit allowed me to move freely and without distraction, and I love how the look represents Team USA.” 

Responding to the fierce criticism and outrage, Nike had also released a statement. It read, “There are close to 50 unique track and field uniform options, including the newly viral leotard, for both men and women. Athletes will also get the chance to choose which outfit or combination of outfits match their style and personal preference best.” These words were echoed by some other athletes as well.

In an interview, Keira D’Amato, the two-time USA World Champion in marathon and half-marathon and record holder, stated that the athletes get a “very elaborate form” to fill out when they qualify for the games. That form lists out their preferred sizing and preferred uniform choice.

Olympic gold medalist and World Champion Katie Moon also turned her thoughts on the matter and took her social media to post her views on it. “I want to be clear and start by saying that what was shown on the mannequin was concerning and warranted the response it received. But I’ve also seen people making comments like, “Why can’t they just make the men’s uniform for the women?” I absolutely love people defending women, but we have at least 20 different combinations of a uniform to compete in with all the tops and bottoms available to us.” 

Further in support, Olympian Gabby Thomas commented, “I love competing in the brief. I think I love wearing as little clothes as possible just because you’re sweaty.” These comments were a departure from the backlash faced earlier by Nike with one former US athlete coming down hard on the iconic brand.

Lauren Fleshman called Nike’s design a “costume of patriarchal forces”

As soon as Nike’s designs for the women athletes in the Olympics dropped, it was subject to severe ridicule. Former track star Lauren Fleshman, who won five NCAA championships and two national championships also didn’t hold back on the Nike design for women athletes. Taking to Instagram she wrote, “Professional athletes should be able to compete without dedicating brain space to constant pube vigilance or the mental gymnastics of having every vulnerable piece of your body on display.”

She concluded with a strong statement, asserting, “This is not an elite athletic kit for track and field. This is a costume born of patriarchal forces that are no longer welcome or needed to get eyes on women’s sports. … Stop making it harder for half the population @nike @teamusa @usatf.”

American hurdler and 2008 Olympian Queen Harrison Claye also poked fun at the controversial threads, tagging European Wax Center in the Citius post and asking, “Would you like to sponsor Team USA for the upcoming Olympic Games!?” U.S. Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku also criticized the outfit and wrote, “I’m someone’s Mom, I can’t be exposing myself like that.”

Nike’s Olympic outfit did cause outrage and first, but to some extent, the athletes speaking in favor of the brand have helped control the situation. What now remains to be seen is that after some major athletes defended the outfits, will the situation now rest or will there be more debate in the coming days.