“We have to use the green and gold. For us,the priority is making sure that the colours sing and feel contemporary.”
The uniforms,which showcase Australia’s relaxed energy with a touch of French chic,were revealed at Clovelly Beach in Sydney on Wednesday,with athletes looking overdressed against a backdrop of morning swimmers in Speedos.
Deep teal linen blazers,in double and single-breasted styles,feature the names of 301 past Olympians and the Olympians’ Oath on the lining. Indigenous artworksWalking Together byOlympic boxer Paul Fleming andOur Way of Life by Torres Strait Islander artist David Bosun decorate pocket squares and scarves.
“Over the years,the shades of green have changed,and in Sydney 2000 we had the ochre blazers,but I think the green is beautiful,” says Olympic gold medallist andformer senator Nova Peris. “Just as important is having Indigenous identity and culture embedded in the uniforms.”
“It helps athletes understand that when you represent this country you don’t just represent 250 years,you represent 65,000 years.”
Nodding to Australia’s relaxed lifestyle,blazers are worn over white T-shirts or tank tops. The ties and collared shirts that made some athletes atthe 2021 Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony look like suspiciously old private school students have wisely been ditched.