The countdown to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games is on, even despite the fact that uncertainty continues to hover like a cloud over the event, threatening to dampen all celebrations and pull athletes out of their reverie and into lockdown instead. Given the struggle sporting codes and tournaments have experienced with organising events in the time of Covid-19, many remain sceptical that the Olympics will take place at all but as the International Olympic Committee assures, it is absolutely moving ahead and now, we’ve got our first taste of Australian athlete style.
The official uniforms our athletes will be wearing to the Opening and Closing Ceremony have been unveiled, with designer Sportscraft ensuring the Australian team steps out in style.
The design process was inspired by the electric lights, vibrant colours and bustling atmosphere that has come to be synonymous with Tokyo. Sportscraft, working closely with athletes over two years, ensured the uniforms reflected Australian culture, using a minimalist design that is both timeless and contemporary, with the iconic gold and green creating a moment of impact. As far as the angles used in the designs are concerned, there’s a nod to Japan’s famous Shibuya Crossing intersection, along with elements of the Southern Cross.
Sportscraft opted for a relaxed shirt design to reflect the laid-back Aussie lifestyle, while its tailored fit means it can be worn with or without a tie or scarf. Designed to complement the semiformal shorts, the brand kept with tradition by designing two separate outfits athletes are able to select from. Our female athletes can choose from a dress or shirt and short combination, something that previously hasn’t been offered to most athletes.
Despite all of this, the show-stopper had to be the blazer. The tailored, bespoke blazer features the names of all 320 Australian Olympic God medallists in the jacket lining, a cute detail that captivated our attention at the unveiling. Speaking about the significance of such a detail, dual Olympic medallist Jess Fox said wearing the Sportscraft uniform was deeply emotional and symbolic, helping to connect Australia’s Olympic talent with the past and provide inspiration.
“It’s so special to wear a jacket that has the name of every Australian Olympic champion written on the lining. From Edwin Flack right through,” Fox said. “They’re on your back, I feel like they’ve got my back – all of us that get a chance to wear this jacket are carrying on the Australian legacy.”
Fox added, “It also then stokes our own dream and that desire to have our own names etched there for future Olympic generations.”
Speaking about the uniform, Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team, Ian Chesterman, said: “Australian athletes treasure the opportunity to wear the Australian Olympic uniform and Sportscraft have produced a uniform our athletes will be proud of.”
“Sportscraft is an iconic brand with a proud history of outfitting the Australian Olympic Team, and I’m sure Australian athletes will be thrilled with the uniform for Tokyo. The uniform is the result of an excellent collaborative process, with Sportscraft involving athletes throughout the development of the design, ensuring it only looks great, but also suits the practical needs of athletes.”
Chesterman added, “The design has a distinct Australian feel and I look forward to the Australian community seeing the official Australian Olympic uniforms for Tokyo 2020. After the challenges athletes have faced in making it to the Games, putting on this uniform will be a special milestone for the Australian Olympic Team members.”
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