It’s hard not to be excited when it comes to putting on the green and gold uniform and today was one of those exciting times in the build up- the official reveal of the Rio Paralympic uniform.
It’s always a whirlwind of a day and having been involved in the London 2012 uniform launch I knew it was going to be a long but fun day! A 4am alarm for my flight to Sydney, hair and make-up, trying on the outfit you’ll be modelling for the day and most importantly scoping out what all the other athletes are wearing in the knowledge that you too will be wearing it all in 92 days!
I’m very excited to report that all of the athletes involved today were incredibly happy with the uniform. The colour scheme combines a mix of Rio flare with colours from the native Australian landscape. Put simply it’s sophisticated, stylish and the latest in innovative high performance apparel to give us the competitive edge… but yes we’ll look fantastic whilst delivering these performances!
This Aussie kit will be one which many an athlete will envy in the village.
I’m very proud to be an ambassador for 2XU and so thrilled that once again they are the competition and casual wear outfitter for our Paralympic team. Today I modelled one of the ‘casual wear’ looks. In a fantastic collaboration 2XU worked alongside design group Balarinji to incorporate Indigenous art into our uniform and what spectacular designs they have created.
(Photo- Jeff Crow)
I am always intrigued about the detailed processes that go into designing a uniform, the thought and care that each of the outfitters put in is amazing. Chatting to the 2XU design team they revealed that there were over 96 designs created to work through translating their ideas on paper into a reality. Hearing the love and energy put into each item makes me even more proud and appreciative to be wearing it.
Today’s uniform launch was not only about showcasing their incredible work for our Paralympic team to the public but thanking them for their contribution. In sport we often talk about the incredible team of people you need to surround yourself with to achieve your sporting results and our outfitters are critical elements to the Paralympic team’s ability to make it to Rio and perform to the best of our ability. I can’t even imagine the hours upon hours spent creating this uniform.
Aussie icon RM Williams have created our ceremonial look and this time around they have added a lot more colour to the traditional designs we’ve had in the previous Paralympic Games I have been involved in. They have used strong colour blocking with a sky blue tailored coat mixed with a variety of pant colours from yellow to green to ochre to spice up the team’s ensemble ready for the Brazilian limelight!
I have no doubt every Australian athlete will be smiling when they put on their uniform and wear it proudly for all to see.
Jess