Team GB Rules Bar Keely Hodgkinson's Nike Catsuit at 2028 Olympics
The reigning Olympic champion's custom-engineered speed suit faces a clash with national team apparel agreements.
Reigning 800-meter Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson will be prohibited from wearing her newly debuted all-black Nike catsuit at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics due to Team GB's sponsorship regulations.
Hodgkinson showcased the custom-engineered ensemble, which covers her from palms to ankles with a sleek material and features an open back, for the first time at the Athlos meet in London. She secured a victory in the 800-meter race with a time of one minute 56.40 seconds at the event.
The one-of-a-kind suit, inspired by Cathy Freeman's iconic 2000 Sydney Olympics attire, was designed by Nike specifically for Hodgkinson. While she hinted at future possibilities for the suit, stating "We might know some things that people don't," its use at the Olympics hinges on Team GB's official apparel partner.
Team GB has a long-standing partnership with German sportswear manufacturer Adidas, which has supplied the national team's kit for past Olympic Games, including the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. British athletes are generally required to wear the official team racing kit designed by Adidas when competing for the nation. Exceptions are typically made for specific technical gear, such as running spikes.
Should Nike's 'Zero-Distraction Speed Suit' be ratified by World Athletics for wider use and adopted by other athletes, Hodgkinson would still be unable to compete in it due to the exclusivity of Team GB's agreement with Adidas. The partnership between Team GB and Adidas is expected to continue for the 2028 Games.
A spokesperson for Team GB emphasized their commitment to providing innovative and athlete-centered kit. "Supported by our partners and in tandem with our sports, we have always worked to provide athlete-centred and innovative kit that supports our teams to perform at their best at both the Summer and Winter Games," the spokesperson stated. "We're confident and excited about what's ahead and the developments we're working towards for future Games, including Los Angeles 2028."
Hodgkinson acknowledged feeling a "little nervous" before debuting the speedsuit, which she paired with iridescent spikes. She felt the all-female Athlos meet was an appropriate venue for its first appearance.
She drew inspiration from past athletes who wore similar attire, noting, "Cathy Freeman and some other athletes from a while ago did something like this, and this is the updated new version, with the new technology." Hodgkinson also expressed that the suit's design made her feel comfortable and "a little bit sexy," adding, "It feels like I'm wearing nothing to be honest."