The Paris Olympics were no stranger to controversies, from a chaotic opening presentation to unhygienic athlete accommodations. But one issue that truly stunned everyone was Team USA’s official sports kit by Nike. Criticized for being overly revealing for women and hindering athletic performance, the design drew heavy backlash, putting the brand in the hot seat. Meanwhile, Team Britain’s sweet and simple Adidas attire earned praise. But now, it seems the tables have turned, while one thing remains the same: Nike.
Nike faced immense backlash last year over their extra-revealing sports kit for women at the Paris Olympics. Athletes such as Colleen Quigley criticized the uniforms for not being designed with performance in mind. The controversy became such a disaster for Nike’s management that they had to issue statement after statement just to save face. So, what exactly drew the criticism? The men’s uniforms were modest, but the women’s uniforms received negative feedback and were seen as problematic.
Tara Davis-Woodhall was among those puzzled when the high-cut unitard went viral. Reacting to the photos of the outfit, she commented, “Wait, this means my hoo-haa is going to be exposed.” Her comments caught the attention of a wider audience; even Dwayne Johnson’s ex-wife, Dany Garcia, couldn’t resist joining the conversation. On her Instagram account, she said, “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????”
Day by day, Nike was being dragged along on the track, and its reputation was hitting a new low. However, the tide began to shift when Sha’Carri Richardson, alongside Athing Mu, took center stage at the Nike Air Innovation Summit in Paris, confidently showcasing the new uniforms. This simple act by these athletes changed the narrative, as several other athletes stepped forward in support of Nike’s latest designs.
Tara Davis-Woodhall herself came forward to state that the new uniforms were beautiful, “It was the picture that did no justice. I saw one [of the uniforms] today. They’re beautiful. They’re not like the picture.” And, she was not alone, 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.” However, despite the support, the fire was already too big to dampen, and Nike had to release a statement.
“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,” said Nike in their statement. Well, this was quite a back-and-forth with tons of media interactions. While Team USA was in the spotlight due to controversies, Team GB enjoyed relative silence as their uniforms received praise. Adidas designed Team GB’s costume, and they received all the praise.
“This new kit totally sums up that special feeling and I cannot wait to wear it in Paris this summer,” said Diver Tom Daley, who competed at the Paris Olympics. As per Adidas, their Paris Olympic kit for Great Britain paid homage to a century-old legacy, drawing its typeface from the 1924 Games in the French capital, when Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell’s gold-medal triumphs inspired the Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire.
Team Britain nailed their costumes at the Paris Olympics, but the tables have now turned against them. The team just unveiled their official gear for the upcoming 2025 World Championship in Tokyo, and the kit has been receiving immense backlash due to its lazy design and similar revealing allegations. From the revelation, we witness Dina Asher-Smith and others from Team GB donning the outfits, but they lack any emotions.
The British kit for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo! pic.twitter.com/Sjgr8MT3kf
— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) August 7, 2025
And guess what! This time, Nike has designed the gear, which bears a striking resemblance to the World Athletics Relays kits of both the US and the UK. It’s worth noting that Nike previously received backlash for their outfits closely resembling those of the World Athletics Relays. Let’s take a look at what the fans had to say.
Nike suffers immense backlash for lazy work at the World Athletics Relays
The controversy? Well, Nike had partnered up with both the US and UK to design their kit for the World Athletics Relays, and the work they did was awfully similar. Olympian Rori Dunk was one of the first individuals who hinted at the issue on X. “There’s something similar about the USA & Great Britain’s competition jersey …Can’t quite put my finger on it.” Well, it was a sarcastic post that just highlights what Nike had done.
Just hours earlier, USA sprint star Twanisha “TeeTee” Terry didn’t hold back, blasting Nike for laziness. “That’s why they have to stop being lazy when making the uniforms.” Ouch. Well, after these stars made such comments, fans, athletes, and journalists came forward to criticize Nike for their designs. And guess what?
This is not something new; the billion-dollar entity has been bashed for years by individuals over their bland and indistinguishable kits that blur national identity.
First, it was the Paris Olympics 2024, then the World Athletics Relays, and now the World Championship 2025—Nike has been taking losing bets one after another. Will they change their design for Team GB after the backlash? What do you think?
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