It was an thrilling morning in Toronto as sports activities media members from throughout Canada gathered for the disclosing of the athlete uniforms for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Video games. This marks the primary summer time equipment design and the second Workforce Canada equipment by Lululemon since changing into the official clothes shop of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Groups in 2021.
Lululemon confronted excessive expectations following the recognition of their kits for the Beijing 2022 (winter) Olympics, each on-line and amongst Canadian athletes. To design the summer time equipment, Lululemon collaborated with 19 Olympic and Paralympic athletes throughout 14 completely different sports activities to know their wants throughout the Video games. Unsurprisingly, the athletes prioritized consolation, adaptability and nationwide pleasure.
For Paris 2024, Canadian Olympians shall be outfitted with 5 completely different items for 5 completely different functions: Journey, Opening Ceremony, Podium, Media, and Closing Ceremony. Every bit incorporates proprietary know-how and sweat-wicking yarns to make sure moisture is successfully moved away from the physique, guaranteeing consolation. Merchandise just like the convertible jacket and pant permit athletes to personalize their look whereas remaining ready for all situations. Lululemon emphasised that every equipment was designed with each type and performance in thoughts, maximizing versatility.
“We heard from all of the athletes that consolation is essential and being in the suitable headspace to compete,” says Lululemon chief product designer Solar Choe. “Our athlete equipment is deliberately designed to permit athletes to mix items to suit their very own private type and uniquely categorical nationwide pleasure.”
Right here’s an summary of the 5 kits Canadian athletes shall be donning in Paris.
Opening ceremony
Podium
Media
Closing ceremony
Journey
Response to the equipment
Quite a few present and former Canadian athletes attended the disclosing of the uniforms on Tuesday, amongst them 1996 Olympic gold medallist and Canadian 100m file holder, Bruny Surin, who will function the official Chef de Mission for Workforce Canada on the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games.
Sporting the Closing Ceremony equipment, adorned with a sample of the northern lights, Surin voiced his enthusiasm for the athletes’ anticipation of the upcoming occasion. “That is a type of pre-Video games days you eagerly anticipate,” remarked Surin. “You’ll be able to sense the thrill constructing among the many athletes.”
Canada’s Chef de Mission for @Paris2024 Bruny Surin exhibiting off the @lululemon x @TeamCanada Closing Ceremony (celebration) equipment:
“I really feel like I will be an athlete once more,” jokes Surin. 😅#teamCanada #Lululemon pic.twitter.com/j8ys2OeyfV
— Canadian Working (@CanadianRunning) April 16, 2024
Reflecting on the evolution of Olympic apparel over the previous twenty years since his final look for Canada in Sydney 2000, Surin praised the design’s concentrate on athlete match and luxury. “I significantly recognize that they had been crafted with athletes’ consolation and slot in thoughts,” he famous. “They included suggestions from 19 athletes to create this closing product.”
Canadian para lengthy jumper Jesse Zesseu echoed Surin’s sentiments, lauding the consolation and flexibility of the Workforce Canada x Lululemon equipment. “It’s incredible,” exclaimed Zesseu. “I’m amazed by how breathable and comfy it feels.”
Zesseu, the Canadian T37 lengthy soar and discus throw file holder and a high contender for a medal in his occasion in Paris, eagerly anticipates the chance to don the Workforce Canada equipment. “I’m counting down the times till I can put on this Workforce Canada equipment—solely 135 to go,” he mentioned with a smile.
Future legacy program
For the primary time at Paris 2024, Lululemon has launched a Future Legacy program with all new types, together with the Workforce Canada Future Legacy Mini Belt Bag, Workforce Canada Future Legacy Ball Cap, and Workforce Canada Future Legacy Scarf. Ten per cent of gross sales from Future Legacy merchandise will assist the subsequent era of Canadian athletes entry the assets, tools, and funding they should expertise the ability of sport—from desires to podium, and past.
