Driven by athlete insights, Team Canada unveils outfits for Paris Olympics, Paralympics
'It's not only about looking good but feeling good,' says Para-rugby player Zak Madell
Team Canada on Tuesday revealed a new collection of athlete clothing from Lululemon less than 100 days from the start of the Paris Olympics.
During the design process, the organization's official outfitter led product testing and feedback sessions with 19 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes across 14 sports.
"My biggest takeaway from this process was Lululemon's commitment to working with Paralympians to make the pieces accessible and adaptable," Para rugby player Zak Madell said in a statement released by the Canadian Olympic Committee. "It's not only about looking good, but also about feeling good."
WATCH | Team Canada unveils Olympic kit for Paris 2024:
Reigning Olympic decathlete champion Damian Warner is also impressed with this year's athlete kit.
"We're going to be able to showcase some of our own personal style, while showing off our Canadian pride together," said Warner, who will be competing at his fourth Summer Games.
According to the COC, the athlete kit blends function and style through innovative construction and performance fabrics, within modern silhouettes and Canadian-inspired prints.
Besides the athletes, Canadian coaches and support staff will wear the apparel at medal ceremonies, media appearances, in the Athletes' Village and during the opening and closing ceremonies.
David Shoemaker, Canada's Olympic CEO, said the team is "thrilled" to be working with an outfitter that understands its mission and shares its values.
"Not only are Team Canada athletes going to shine on the field of play," he said, "they're going to turn heads wherever they show up in Paris."
The kit includes features like magnetic-close zippers, pull-on loops, and sensory touch guides to support a diverse range of body types and abilities.
Stylistically, the uniforms combine red, white and other colours using Lululemon calls modern silhouettes and Canadian-inspired prints.
Lululemon made its debut as Canada's Olympic and Paralympic outfitter at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games after a 16-year partnership with Hudson's Bay Company ended after the Tokyo Olympics.
The Great One Draws quite the crowd. <br><br>Some thoughtful stuff from<br>Wayne Gretzky at today’s Team Canada 🇨🇦 athlete kit launch. <br><br>Talked about the first time he wore the Canadian colours and what an honour it was for him. Will be cheering on our Canadians in Paris this summer. <a href="https://t.co/TsOVdDfNFZ">pic.twitter.com/TsOVdDfNFZ</a>
—@Devin_HerouxWith files from The Canadian Press
