Australia’s Olympic uniforms were unveiled on Wednesday, and the contemporary suits feature hidden features throughout.
Several hopefuls flocked to Sydney’s Clovelly Beach to pose in their new outfits, which will be seen by a global audience of more than a billion people, as morning swimmers hit the waves.
Cycling legend Anna Meares highlighted the inclusion of the Australian Olympians’ oath within the jacket pocket, while the names of 301 Australian Olympic champions are embossed on the jacket lining.
But less notable features include Olympic boxer Paul Fleming’s ‘Walking Together’ Indigenous artwork on the pocket square, while Torres Strait Islander artist David Bosun’s Our Way of Life is decorated on the scarves.
The biggest twist of all of them is the color of the uniform. The classic was left behind.
Australia presented its uniform for the Paris Olympics this summer
Classic green has given way to the fashionable teal for the games in France
“We are on the fashion scene and wanted to make our athletes proud, as well as bring a contemporary touch to the uniforms,” said Elisha Hopkinson, CEO of APG & Co, owner of official uniform supplier Sportscraft.
‘We have to use green and gold. For us, the priority is to make sure the colors sing and feel contemporary.’
“Over the years the shades of green have changed, and at Sydney 2000 we had ocher jackets, but I think green is beautiful,” added Olympic gold medalist and former senator Nova Peris. “Equally important is having Indigenous identity and culture incorporated into the uniforms.”
“It helps athletes understand that when you represent this country you are not just representing 250 years, but 65,000 years.”
The blazers will be worn over tank tops or white T-shirts, while the stone chino shorts also feature teal and gold accents.
There are several hidden meanings in the uniform that was displayed on Wednesday
“We were a little skeptical when it was hanging on the rack, but now that it’s hanging, I like it,” said Tilly Kearns, a water polo player. He’s pretty preppy. It’s not often you feel feminine as an athlete.”
Athletes will also wear white Dunlop Volley shoes.
“We’re usually super casual in our sport,” said Jeff Dunne, a 16-year-old breakdancer.
‘They are baggy pants, tight shirts and very shiny shoes. I’d definitely wear the t-shirt and I quite like the gold around the belt, but this is too fancy.’