Dressing Like a Winter Olympian

ven Olympic athletes want posh athletic gear!

During my Vancouver visit, I discovered that all of the Nike Olympian women had one philosophy in common: “Just because I want to play with the boys doesn’t mean I have to look like the boys.” Nike listened and created some awesome cross-training gear that pleases both the eye and a gal’s overzealous sweat glands. Real girls sweat, after all.

Training consists of more than just getting out there in the snow and ice. The experts now know that if an Olympic athlete wants to be the best she can be, she has to do the same fundamental grunt-producing workouts that we normal folks do in the gym—plus some. Squats, core work, plyometrics and Pilates are just a few grueling activities necessary to prepare them in their sport. The gear they rock prepares them for the training. Lucky for us, it’s gear we can sport, too.

Nike was inspired by these women’s voices when designing its athletic gear. Seams are placed strategically so that they don’t annoy the mess out of us when we’re bending, twisting and focusing on the burn. The material eliminates itching and, most importantly, the stuff wicks away sweat. (This is a must if you plan to work out in cold weather. No one wants their sweat to turn to ice and sit in their pants.)

While you won’t see snowboarder Ellery Hollingsworth’s Nike getup (pictured right) on game day, rest assured she’s packing the good stuff underneath. The clothes are all Dry Fit—heaven for a winter sports athlete.

Keauna McLaughlin (ice skating), Julia Mancuso (alpine skiing) and Nicole Joraanstad (curling) also need special clothing in order to perform at their best. Keauna’s clothes have to stretch and move (think Elastigirl from The Incredibles). Julia’s training lasts all year in different climates. She skis and runs along Hawaii’s beaches when she’s home and gets in her gym time. Comfort is key when you work out for six hours a day all year long! Nicole curls for comfort. A game of curling can last hours. Her philosophy is that her clothes should last for hours, too.

A philosophy FBGs around the world agree with! Just remember, there are only nine more days until the Winter Olympics! —Tish