Sport Olympic uniforms spark debate
New Zealand will wear black, silver, green and blue at the Rio Olympics.
The uniform, unveiled at a function in Auckland last night, is a nod to the New Zealand’s night sky and wide open spaces, dominated by classic black while featuring references to Te Mahutonga, the constellation of the Southern Cross.
Sevens players Tim Mikkelson and Scott Curry, hockey women Anita McLaren and Liz Thompson, kayaker Caitlin Ryan, track and field athletes Stuart Farqhuar and Eliza McCartney and trampolinist Dylan Schmidt modelled the uniforms.
Hansen said the uniform design started with a ‘‘stadium of ideas’’ and went on to include focus groups with athletes as a core part of the process.
‘‘I had a few hundred notes and sketches to begin with,’’ Hansen said, citing the tracksuit jacket and pants with their bold highlights as his favourite items.
Ryan, from the women’s K4 canoe sprint team, gave the casual wear she was modelling at the dinner a resounding thumbsup.
‘‘I’m wearing a casual jumper, a little button up and tights, and it’s super comfy, super casual.
‘‘I think they’ve done a really good job of catering to all body types. Comfort is a big thing for athletes and they’ve really nailed it.’’
Ryan also glanced enviously at the formalwear option being modelled at the uniform launch by Black Sticks women’s hockey squad member Thompson.
‘‘The formal wear is very classic, which is really cool. Every girl likes something classic and simple. It’s just a black blazer, with a white top underneath [and a pleated black skirt]. It’s very simple and I think everyone is going to look good in it and it’s going to show Kiwis off well.’’
Thompson was happy to slip into the classic Merino black combination, but admitted it felt a bit weird with the 16-strong hockey squad for Rio not yet named.
‘‘It’s not often when you wear something formal it’s actually quite comfortable, so this is really good. I think we all look really smart in it. It will be an honour to get to wear it at the Games if I actually get there.
‘‘But it’s cool to get to see it and hopefully I get to put it on when it’s the read deal.’’
More than 21,000 items of clothing have been produced for the New Zealand Olympic team which will comprise about 350 athletes and support staff members.
Each athlete will receive about 45 items including performance shorts, leggings and more.
It features movement and colour panels on the team uniforms, with the Southern Cross featuring on hood lines, pant piping and neck tapes.
‘‘They’ve done a really good job of catering to all body types. Comfort is a big thing for athletes and they’ve really nailed it.’’ Caitlin Ryan, kayaker