The evolution of Olympic kit has certainly come a long way since Queenie Newall won archery gold in her favourite petticoat.
And while styles have shifted, the importance of what it means has never changed significance for those who follow.
Although the class of Tokyo 2020 won’t be sewing a badge on their tracksuits, as the London 1948 team did, Olympic kit has always been equally prized and treasured.
In a world of marginal gains, kit can make all the difference and remember the adage – “If you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you play good.”
In 2016, more than 48,000 items of kit were handed out to our Rio-bound athletes, including 3,444 trainers, 7,396 pairs of socks, 2,845 bags and 1,545 caps.
Style is important in this business – check out Team GB’s straw boaters for the opening ceremony in 1996 or those pale blue satin mini-dresses at Munich 1972.
When American javelin thrower Mildred Didrikson won gold in 1932 she didn’t take off her cardigan, and the winner of the first Olympic marathon in 1896, Greece’s Spyridon Louis, even wore an embroidered and heavily embellished waistcoat.
But when it comes to style gold, British tennis star Evelyn Colyer is top of the podium, after winning her bronze in 1924. From the cloche hat to the Chanel-inspired cream jacket, it’s a look that’ll take some beating.
As we countdown to this summer’s Olympic Games, we’re taking a look back at some of Team GB’s most memorable summer styles.
Full story – https://www.teamgb.com/article/125-years-of-team-gbs-dedicated-following-of-fashion/3sa3x4iRPty5y6subw0okA
